SNOWBIRD GAP

LOCATION: Western North Carolina
HIKE STARTS: US 64 (Winding Stair Gap)
HIKE ENDS: US 64 (Winding Stair Gap)
TOTAL DISTANCE: 8.8 Miles
HIKE TYPE: In and Out, Backtrack Hike
HIKE DIFFICULTY: Moderate to Difficult
TRAILS USED: Appalachian Trail
TRAIL TRAFFIC: Moderate to Heavy
TRIP TYPE: Day or Overnight Hike
MANAGEMENT: Nantahala NF

HIGHLIGHTS: Siler Bald at 5,216 feet was named for William Siler whose great grandson, Reverend A. Rufus Morgan, helped establish the A.T. in North Carolina. The U.S. Forest Service clears and maintains the bald which has a grassy summit with spectacular (and nearly 360 degree) views from Tray Mountain to the Great Smoky Mountains. Wayah Bald, about six trail miles north, can also be seen to the north. This is a backtrack hike that starts at Winding Stair Gap on U.S. 64 about ten miles from Franklin, N.C. and climbs over 2200 feet through Snowbird Gap to the summit of Siler Bald.

Appalachian Trail North Carolina Guidebook

Appalachian Trail North Carolina Map

MORE DETAILS

	click to see trail photos from this hike on the Appalachian Trail: October 19, 1996
	click to see more photos from this backpacking trip to Snowbird Gap: March 4, 2000, June 26, 2002
	click to view a detailed trip report of this walk in the Nantahala National Forest: October 19, 1996 (password required)
	click to read a photo journal from a camping trip to Snowbird Gap: June 26, 2002 (password required)
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