North Carolina AT Section 4: 10.3 Miles, Wayah Bald-Siler Bald-Winding Stair Gap

Interested in hiking north of the Georgia Appalachian Trail on the North Carolina Appalachian Trail? Join for a 9.9 (AT miles only) mile south bound hike (with ascent of 1427 feet and descent of 3044 feet) from Wayah Bald (AT mile 119.5) to Winding Stair Gap, (AT mile 109.6). With the .4 out and back side trail to Siler Bald, this hike will ultimately be a total of 10.3 miles.

This trail is rated difficult so please join only if in good health, physically conditioned for hiking steep climbs/descents over long distances, and knowledgeable about what to bring to hike independently in the wilderness (navigational tools such as a map/map app, plenty of water, rain gear and clothing for inclement weather--rain, cold, etc.—ability to keep dry and warm, food, first aid, headlamp, etc.) The pace will be moderate/slow at about 1.25-1.45 miles per hour including breaks. Everyone is expected to be together at the approximate 1/4, 1/2, 3/4 and end point/shuttle pickup.

The route treks through the Nantahala National Forest along the Trimont Ridge and the Nantahala Mountains beginning at the treeless summit of Wayah Bald at 5342'. The historic stone observation tower at the top was built in 1937 by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) for fire detection and offers sweeping views of the mountains. We'll then hike to Siler Bald at 5,216’, off a 0.2 side trail for what many believe to be one of the most spectacular summits along the southern AT.

SHUTTLE FEE (with extra going for tip): $70 (for up to 8) to Wayah Bald. The pick-up from Winding Stair Gap at hikes end is free with hostel stay. A shuttle fee deposit of $15 is required to remain on hike. If you do not pay in a timely manner you will be moved to 'Canceled” and later joiners who pay will be bumped ahead of a nonpayer. Once signed up, expect a message regarding how to pay, and respond in a timely manner. Once paid, your name will appear with amount you paid at bottom of this Meetup description.

Participants are welcome to stay at The Grove Hostel Friday and/or Saturday night (no need to reserve a bunk--just let me know—I communicate with the hostel regarding number staying & what nights; but for a private room text The Grove Hostel to reserve one of 2 queen rooms with shared half bath) or private king room. I will stay overnight at the hostel in the coed bunkhouse both Friday and Saturday night; $45 bunk, $105 queen room with private entrance/shared 1/2 bath or $95 private king room. Bring your own Saturday morning breakfast to make/eat in hostel kitchen/dining area. They have a refrigerator, toaster, toaster oven, microwave, and free coffee, tea, hot chocolate service. Please let me know when you'll meet group and if you'll be staying at the hostel. I will note this with payment information at bottom. If not staying at the hostel, meet at hostel for shuttle at 7:15 am on Saturday.

For anyone interested in carpooling up, feel free to post requests on this page or via message to group. Everyone is welcome Friday night for dinner as well as to join for Saturday after-hike dinner.

All participants are expected to check for updates weekly and more frequently the week before hike.

Itinerary:
(Optional) Friday evening

6:30 pm
CULTURE Sourdough pizzas and more.

Saturday

• Begin at 7:15 am at The Grove Hostel 130 Hayes Circle, Franklin, NC
• 7:30 am Shuttle #1: 40 minute/18.7 mile shuttle to Wayah Bald (AT mile 119.5)

Shelter w/picnic table and privy:
Siler Bald Shelter mile 113.8

Viewpoints:
1) Wayah Bald Observation Tower mile 119.7
2) Wayah Gap mile 115.5
3) Siler Bald Summit 5001' mile 114.2 (0.2 West)

Checkpoints (approximate w/ 1/4 of miles being 2.57 miles) THESE ARE APPROXIMATES:

• Begin - 8:30 AM, mile 119, Wayah Bald Observation Tower/Overlook (public restrooms)
• 1/4 way - 10:45 am, mile 117.3, FS Road 69 (dirt road)
• 1/2 way - 12:45 pm, mile 115.4, Wayah Gap Picnic Area (lunch)
• 3/4 way - 2:45 pm, mile 113.3, Siler Bald Shelter, picnic table/privy (we will have more than 1/4 of the way from this point with 3.7 miles remaining with an elevation loss of 1228'. We'll decide as a group on pickup time at Winding Stair Gap. With cellular connectivity we can confirm pickup time with shuttle driver)
• 5:00-5:30 PM - Shuttle #2: Pickup from Winding Stair Gap (AT mile 109.6) for a 15 minute/11.6 mile shuttle back to hostel (free for anyone staying at hostel--there may be a fee if not

Dinner option: Food truck dinner and beverages at Lazy Hiker Brewing

I am dividing up the NC Day-hike sections from the GA/NC State Line to Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC) into 6 hikes then from NOC to Fontana Dam Visitors Center/entry to The Great Smoky Mountains into 3 hikes (with the last 2 joined together across 2 days). Many of these hikes will include shuttles down long FS Roads (Forest Service Roads). Due to the length of time it would take to retrieve beginning shuttle vehicles and for convenience, it's easiest to hire shuttle services to transport to and front trailheads.

NC Day Hikes:
#3 10/17 Mooney Gap-Winding Stair Gap 11.4 miles NOBO (North Bound)
#4 11/7 Wayah Bald-Winding Stair Gap 9.9 miles SOBO (South Bound)
#5 12/5 (will not be posted—reach out to Valerie if interested)Wayah Bald-Tellico Gap 9.5 miles NOBO
#6 TBD Tellico Gap-NOC (Nantahala Outdoor Center) 8.3 miles NOBO
#7 TBD Stecoah Gap-NOC 13.8 miles SOBO
*#8 TBD Day 1 - Stecoah Gap-Fontana Dam Road 13.8 miles NOBO; Day 2 - Fontana Dam Road*

PAID $15/hostel?:
Pat $15/bunk
Laura $15/bunk
Jackie $15/bunk
Alissa $15/bunk Fri
Julie ____/bunk Fri