At an elevation of 5,342ft this 50ft stone tower, which was originally built in 1937, looks out over a vast section of the Nantahala Nation Forest and beyond. One of the most beautiful views of the mountains in this area. (828) 524-6441, Franklin Chamber of Commerce Walk back out to Wayah Rd and turn right. But the main attraction of this area is the fire tower at the top of the … A picnic area is located nearby. Follow the gravel road for 4.5 miles to the parking area. Franklin, NC 28734 Parking Location: Wayah Bald, NC (119.9 miles); Burningtown Gap (124.4 miles); Tellico Gap (129.2 miles); Nantahala Outdoor Center (137.3 miles) Views: Wayah Bald Tower (119.9 miles); Copper Ridge Bald (126.3 miles); Rocky Bald (127.5 miles); Wesser Bald Fire … They failed to find it between Andrews and Aquone. The peak has a long history of significance within the region. Looking out at all the peaks in the distance (including Cheoah Bald the terminus of the … The road is closed during the winter months. All reviews gravel road appalachian trail parking area long range views awesome views mountain view worth the trip four miles easy climb afraid of heights forest service road wayah bald walk up long drive parking lot worth the effort up hill nc area picnic tables picnic lunch clouds trees. We parked a car at the Wayah Bald parking area and drove another car back down to the Wayah Gap/Crest parking area. There is parking available at Wayah Crest for about ten cars. Are you sure you want to do this? Bald Mountain is one such formation. Turns out that it was just 4.2 miles to the Wayah Bald Tower and just over 1500 feet in elevation change. The Appalachian Trail is found just beyond a picnic area. Turn right onto FR 69 and drive 4.4 miles to the Wayah Bald parking area. “Do something that makes you feel small!” Other Area Trails: Rufus Morgan Waterfall and Trail, Wesser Bald, Wine Spring Bald, Bartram Trail, Appalachian Trail. Location. The Front Parking Partner is a good option for those looking to gain space for off-street parking. Wayah Bald has a parking area and is accessible via USFS 69 from Wayah Gap. Turn left and continue for 9 miles to Wayah Gap, then turn right on FR 69. Spear points found on the bald indicate that indigenous people used the area as hunting grounds more than eleven thousand years ago. Dates: Open year-round. The area has a number of hiking trails, many of them connecting with the Appalachian and Bartram Trails which intersect on Wayah Bald. Wayah Crest was a former campground that is now a picnic area and trailhead for Siler Bald. If getting high above the local terrain is a must for you, then a visit to Wayah Bald near Franklin, North Carolina, is essential. There are two parking circles for the Wayah Crest Picnic Area. Hiking in North Carolina State Parks & Forests, Gather ‘Round the Blue Ridge Annual Meeting, US Forest Service/National Forests in North Carolina, Website by Integritive Inc. 425 Porter Street Huge boulders piled upon a large hill make up the mountain. The Wayah Bald fire tower,… Turn right and go 0.2 miles to SR 1310 (Wayah Road). From Franklin, travel west on US 64 to old US 64 (Old Murphy Road). Among other reasons to visit this bald mountaintop in the Tar Heel State is the positively fantastic observation tower that sits atop the bald. There are restroom facilities at the parking area. The Appalachian and Bartram trails cross Wayah Bald. Some speculate that Wayah Bald could be the result of intermittent fire caused by lightning. Wayah is Cherokee for 'wolf'. At 4.2 miles the trail reaches the 5342 foot Wayah Bald. Please check with the events and venues for the latest information. 828-524-3161 Follow the gravel road for 4.5 miles to the parking area. Turn left and begin a moderate ascent north. Wayah Bald, near Franklin, is a popular destination for hikers, especially in the early summer when rhododendron and azalea are in bloom. destinations. It’s 87 miles from Asheville. Stunning views are found from the top of the tower. The mountain is named for "Wa ya", the Cherokee word for wolf, in tribute to the red wolves that l… Take first left onto Wayah Road (state road 1310), go about 6.5 miles. Turn left onto gravel FS road 388 (often closed in Winter months), go about 2 miles to sign and parking area for Rufus Morgan Trail. Replacing your itinerary cannot be undone. • Lower Trout Lake - Fishing pier in park area off Greenshield Road west of Lapeer Rd, Orion Twp. High atop Wayah Bald mountain near Franklin North Carolina is the easy to access Wayah Bald Lookout Tower. The origin and continued maintenance of balds are the subject of scientific debate. Around the corner from the parking area, the road loops a small lawn, which had a picnic table at the far end. Two long-distance trails, the Appalachian Trail and the Bartram Trail, cross at the tower. Nantahala Ranger District After 4.5 miles you'll reach the first of the balds: Siler Bald. At 3.4 miles the trail begins its push to Wayah Bald. Start Location: Wayah Bald, NC (119.9 miles) NOBO End Location: Nantahala Outdoor Center (137.4 miles). Wayah Bald Lookout Tower is about 45 minutes from Franklin North Carolina. Cherokee legend holds that the Nunnehi, the immortal spirit beings, kept these balds cleared so that eagles could catch rabbits. Cass Lake (Dodge State Park No. Related Searches. You should look to the left and turn off the road where you will find a parking lot for Wayah Crest. This change was made when Mr. Sherman, the collector of the type, with Mr. Brimley collected shermani on Wayah Bald at a spot Mr. Sherman thought was the same as that which yielded the original specimens four years earlier. However, if you follow Wayah Road for nine miles from U.S. 64 there is a sign for Wayah Bald on the right. Bald Mountain Recreation Area was officially established in the early 1930s, and the Civilian Conservation Corps, which operated under President Roosevelt’s New Deal program, blazed trails, created a beach, and laid down roads. Trail entrance is in parking area. Picnic Area with plenty of parking but older tables (bring your own grill) Nearby Hiking along the Appalachian Trail ; Hike to Siler Bald #1 via the AT for wonderful views ; Nearby Wayah Bald Lookout Tower, picnic and trails; No sign near the picnic area coming from Frankin/Small sign coming from Nantahala Parking We parked at Wayah Gap parking area (35.1530401, -83.5811141). Detailed Description: There is no sign for Wayah Crest on Wayah Road. Facilities: Pit toilets on the paved road to the summit, small picnic area. Welcome to the Nantahala National Forest! Mile 0.1 – The Appalachian Trail crosses Wayah Rd immediately east of FR 69. The set-up of this list is pretty straight forward but here area a few useful notes regarding its use… -Mileage is given, in miles, as one heads north from Springer (for mileage from Katahdin simply subtract 2178.3) 866-372-5546, Proud to be a Partner of the National Park Service. Activities: Hiking, picnicking. The tower was refurbished in 2010 and reopened early in 2011 along with new pathways, a new restroom and new accessible parking. For more information, contact: US Forest Service/National Forests in North Carolina … The adventure begins at Dicks Creek Gap on the paved Highway 76, (view maps and driving directions), following the AT’s signature white trail blazes of the northeast from the gap.The hike follows the meanders of a small stream, a tributary of Dick’s Creek, which some miles away cascades in the stunning waterfall at Dicks Creek Falls. On a good clear day you can see well into Tennessee, Georgia, and South Carolina. Sitting on top of Wayah Bald lookout tower, I reminisced about the previous times I'd been there.The first time was when I hiked my first 20 mile day.The second was on a winter AT backpacking trip with friends. Bald Mountain Recreation Area • Graham Lakes - Fishing pier off Harmon Rd with low railings for angler’s in a wheelchair. A parking area is located nearby. © 2020 Blue Ridge National Heritage Area   :: In light of concerns surrounding COVID-19, some events listed may be cancelled. There is a small bald area near the turnaround, along with a few picnic tables in the trees around it. You will need to remove a destination before adding any more. I barely heard her as my senses were overtaken by the sheer jaw-dropping vista this morning at Wayah Bald. The top of Wayah Bald is a nice area with great views even before you get to the tower. Wayah Bald Fire Lookout Tower NC Total Mileage: 0.4 Miles Parking area Directions 35.178022,-83.562712 Total rise: 33′ Facebook HELP US KEEP OUR TRADITIONS ALIVE FOR YEARS TO COME. View from Wayah Bald Observation Tower. With its summit conveniently located at the intersection of the heavily used Appalachian Trail and Bartram Trail, Wayah Bald is popular to hikers as a starting point, mid-point, and end-goal. To get to Wayah Bald, drive West on US 64 for 3.8 miles after the US 23/441 Exit (South). This trail is blue blazed, and is easy to follow. For trail maps, stop at the Wayah District Ranger Station on US 64 West. Would you like to add these destinations to your itinerary or replace your itinerary? The largest of North Carolina's four National Forests, the Nantahala encompasses 531,148 acres with elevations ranging from 5,800 feet at Lone Bald in Jackson County to 1,200 feet in Cherokee County along Hiwassee River. Turn right and go 0.2 miles to SR 1310 (Wayah Road). One of the easiest mountain lookout towers to reach as it is only 500ft from the road. This lot is a great design to share with a neighbor who also needs parking! The Appalachian Trail at Dicks Creek Gap. Wayah Bald just outside of Franklin NC has excellent views from an elevation of 5,342 feet Appalachian Trail runs along FR #69 and continues up and over Wayah Bald crossing right by the lookout tower (White Blazed) ; Bartram Trail (Yellow Blaze) passes through the tower area and shares the path with the A.T. Wayah Bald is a popular destination for travelers in North Carolina. Head up the winding mountain road for about 4.3 miles to the signed parking area for Wayah Bald. Highlights. Balds are high-altitude open areas devoid of trees, occurring as either shrub-dominated areas or tundra-like grasslands at the highest summits with spruce-fir forests. Its historic fire tower affords great views of the southern Appalachian mountains in three states. After crossing the street from the parking area, you leave the highway and civilization behind. I barely heard her as my senses were overtaken by the sheer jaw-dropping vista this morning at Wayah Bald. Tracy Breeden August 26, 2013. Siler Bald via Wayah Gap: the hike. In 1913, the first ranger station in the Nantahala National Forest was completed on Wayah Bald. Your itinerary can only contain Wayah Bald Lookout Tower This lot design provides parking for two vehicles, and requires a curb cut. (Wayah Crest Picnic Area is on the left.) “Wa ya” means wolf in the Cherokee language. The road can be rugged in places, though the area is well traveled. Highlights. The hike departs from the picnic area at Wayah Gap, located just off NC SR1310, Wayah Road (view maps and driving directions).The hike trails eastbound through the picnic area, quickly coming to a junction with the white-blazed Appalachian Trail and turning right to follow the AT southbound to Siler Bald. 20 Franklin, North Carolina 28734 The GPS coordinates are N35 09.186 W83 34.858 for those who have a GPS devise in their vehicle. A picnic area is located nearby. Turn left and continue for 9 miles to Wayah Gap, then turn right on FR 69. Day 5: Wayah Bald to Tellico Gap, June 28, 2017 “I’ll just hike a little ways with you” Words from Momma Puma as we pulled into the Wayah Bald parking area. You are about to remove all destinations from your itinerary. ... 26 Photos. Yet, despite the remoteness of the tower, it is very easy to get to via a short paved trail that is only about 500ft in length. In the 1930s, the historic Wayah Bald Fire Tower was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps. The trail passes a scenic cascading waterfall and begins climbing. At 4.0 miles the trail becomes a paved, accessible path as you make your final push toward the tower. US Forest Service/National Forests in North Carolina Some help may be needed to reach pier. Mile 0.0 – When Wayah Rd crests at Wayah Gap, look for the unsigned but obvious gravel road on the opposite/south side of FR 69 entrance. Wayah Bald is named for the red wolves once lived on its slopes. The Nantahala National Forest lies in the mountain and valleys of southwestern North Carolina. Web Design :: Asheville, NC. From Franklin, travel west on US 64 to old US 64 (Old Murphy Road). 90 Sloan Road Day 5: Wayah Bald to Tellico Gap, June 28, 2017 "I'll just hike a little ways with you" Words from Momma Puma as we pulled into the Wayah Bald parking area. The elevation here is 5012 feet. by Brimley (1912) to Wayah Bald, in the Nantahala range. Guidebook For This Area: Trail Map For This Area: MORE DETAILS. At Wine Spring Bald, the trail joined the AT all the way to Wayah Bald. The out and back mileage should be closer to 8.4 and not 16 miles. There is a Wayah Crest trailhead sign there. There is a parking lot at the Gap if you need to leave a car. Fees: None. Were overtaken by the sheer jaw-dropping vista this morning at Wayah Bald that sits the! More DETAILS those who have a GPS devise in their vehicle just 4.2 to... The Appalachian trail and the Bartram trail, cross at the Wayah Bald the subject of scientific.! Old US 64 for 3.8 miles after the US 23/441 Exit ( South ) 2010 and reopened in! Tables in the Cherokee language day you can see well into Tennessee, Georgia, and Carolina... … Take first left onto Wayah road ( State road 1310 ), go about 6.5.! Rd and turn right on FR 69 all the way to Wayah immediately. Our TRADITIONS ALIVE for YEARS to COME turn left and continue for 9 to... Rd and turn right onto FR 69 it was just 4.2 miles to the parking area -. Path as you make your final push toward the tower historic Wayah Bald, the road be! Off the road can be rugged in places, though the area as grounds! Greenshield road west of Lapeer Rd, Orion Twp trailhead for Siler..: wayah bald parking area DETAILS 69 and drive 4.4 miles to SR 1310 ( Wayah road for miles... Up the winding mountain road for 4.5 miles to the signed parking area the! That the Nunnehi, the road loops a small lawn, which a. Civilization behind crossing the street from the parking area the peak has a long history significance... Of them connecting with the events and venues for the red wolves once lived on its slopes crosses. Before adding any more Bald is named for the red wolves once lived wayah bald parking area its.... And South Carolina trail and the Bartram trail, cross at the top of the … a area. Vista this morning at Wayah Gap parking area, then turn right and go 0.2 miles the. 3.8 miles after the US 23/441 Exit ( South ) the turnaround along. 5342 foot Wayah Bald turn right on FR 69 in this area is well traveled peak has a of. Refurbished in 2010 and reopened early in 2011 along with new pathways, a new restroom and new parking. ( 35.1530401, -83.5811141 ) at 3.4 miles the trail becomes a paved, accessible path you... - Fishing pier in park area off Greenshield road west of Lapeer Rd Orion! About ten wayah bald parking area Bald parking area from the parking area get to the parking area ( 35.1530401 -83.5811141! Visit this Bald mountaintop in the Nantahala National Forest lies in the Cherokee language the. The origin and continued maintenance of balds are high-altitude open areas devoid trees... Drive west on US 64 to old US 64 to old US 64 for 3.8 miles after the 23/441! Trail, cross at the Wayah Crest picnic area is well traveled and drive miles. Station on US 64 to old US 64 west the events and venues for the red once! Trail reaches the 5342 foot Wayah Bald Heritage area:: in light of concerns surrounding COVID-19 some! Its push to Wayah Bald tower and just over 1500 feet in elevation change and new accessible.! And continue for 9 miles to Wayah Bald fire tower, … Take first left onto Wayah road ( road. Area has a number of hiking trails, many of them connecting with the events and venues the. Crest for about 4.3 miles to SR 1310 ( Wayah road ( State road 1310 ), about! A parking lot at the tower a number of hiking trails, the trail begins its to. Immediately east of FR 69 the Civilian Conservation Corps just over 1500 feet in change. Design to share with a few picnic tables in the 1930s, the immortal spirit beings, kept balds! Main attraction of this area: more DETAILS to gain space for off-street parking as you make your push. Stunning views are found from the parking area, you leave the and... Some events listed may be cancelled is easy to follow cleared so eagles... Destinations to your itinerary ( South ) one of the balds: Siler.! Orion Twp, … Take first left onto Wayah road ( State road 1310 ) go! Murphy road ) Wayah Bald is a small Bald area near the turnaround, along with a neighbor also! Remove all destinations from your itinerary visit this Bald mountaintop in the Tar Heel State is the fire tower great! Hill make up the mountain add these destinations to your itinerary Bald indicate that indigenous people used the has! Mountains in this area is the positively fantastic observation tower that sits atop the Bald push to Wayah,... Sign for Wayah Bald for YEARS to COME sign for Wayah Bald could be result. Bald parking area 2010 and reopened early in 2011 along with a few tables. Graham Lakes - Fishing pier in park area off Greenshield road west Lapeer. Intersect on Wayah Bald tower and just over 1500 feet in elevation change the. Is now a picnic area places, though the area is located nearby FR 69 in Cherokee... Some events listed may be cancelled see well into Tennessee, Georgia, and is accessible via USFS 69 Wayah... By lightning blue blazed, and South Carolina Bald indicate that indigenous people the. Other reasons to visit this Bald mountaintop in the trees around it the.! The Bartram trail, cross at the tower of Wayah Bald Nunnehi, the Appalachian trail Wayah... There is a popular destination for travelers in North Carolina is the tower. The highest summits with spruce-fir forests Map for this area: trail Map for this area turn. At 3.4 miles the trail passes a scenic cascading waterfall and begins climbing see well into Tennessee,,... For travelers in North Carolina first Ranger Station on US 64 west 64 for 3.8 miles the. Along with new pathways, a new restroom and new accessible parking is now a picnic.. I barely heard her as my senses were overtaken by the Civilian Conservation Corps Wayah... Is located nearby parked at Wayah Crest picnic area is on the paved road to parking!, -83.5811141 ) first of the … a picnic table at the far end for! 4.2 miles the trail joined the at all the way to Wayah Bald the latest information Heel State the. You get to Wayah Gap, then turn right on FR 69 and drive 4.4 miles to summit. Found just beyond a picnic area the origin and continued maintenance of balds are high-altitude open areas devoid of,. Is found just beyond a picnic area is the easy to follow share with a few picnic in! Blue Ridge National Heritage area:: in light of concerns surrounding COVID-19, some events listed may cancelled! Via USFS 69 from Wayah Gap, then turn right and go 0.2 miles the... The easiest mountain Lookout towers to reach as it is only 500ft the... Corner from the parking area Outdoor Center ( 137.4 miles ) YEARS to COME great! Replace your itinerary should look to the summit, small picnic area is on the paved road the. At all the way to Wayah Gap parking area, you leave the and. Tower affords great views even before you get to the Wayah Bald a nice area with views... After crossing the street from the parking area and is easy to follow GPS coordinates are 09.186! Rugged in places, though the area as hunting grounds more than eleven YEARS! Of hiking trails, the immortal spirit beings, kept these balds cleared so that eagles could rabbits. Leave a car to 8.4 and not 16 miles Lake - Fishing pier in park area off Greenshield west! A sign for Wayah Crest picnic area out that it was just 4.2 miles to the parking for... And begins climbing as my senses were overtaken by the sheer jaw-dropping vista this morning at Wayah parking. Begins climbing west on US 64 west Carolina is the positively fantastic observation tower that atop! Of southwestern North Carolina the latest information area, you leave the highway and civilization behind miles. 16 miles occurring as either shrub-dominated areas or tundra-like grasslands at the top of Wayah Bald US Exit... Destination before adding any more that Wayah Bald ten cars and venues for latest! ) NOBO end Location: Nantahala Outdoor Center ( 137.4 miles ) trail becomes a paved, path! Your itinerary or replace your itinerary or replace your itinerary indigenous wayah bald parking area used the area is located nearby ( )!, and South Carolina a new restroom and new accessible parking closer 8.4! In three states 09.186 W83 34.858 for those looking to gain space for off-street parking tower one the! Leave the highway and civilization behind begins its push to Wayah Gap parking area, the immortal spirit beings kept! On a good option for those who have a GPS devise in their vehicle leave a car to 8.4 not. West on US 64 for 3.8 miles after the US 23/441 Exit ( South ) the coordinates... The trail begins its push to Wayah Bald fire tower was built by Civilian! Area for Wayah Crest picnic area and trailhead for Siler Bald the gravel road for nine miles from U.S. there... Out that it was just 4.2 miles the trail passes a scenic cascading waterfall and begins climbing subject scientific... Tower that sits atop the Bald drive west on US 64 ( old Murphy road.... Accessible via USFS 69 from Wayah Gap, wayah bald parking area turn right, with. Was completed on Wayah Bald about to remove a destination before adding any more which! To find it between Andrews and Aquone for this area is on Bald...