SILER RIDGE (VIA WAYAH GAP)
Location: Western North Carolina
Trip Starts: NC 1310 (Wayah Gap)
Trip Ends: NC 1310 (Wayah Gap)
Total Distance: 3.8 miles
Hike Type: In & Out, Backtrack Hike
Hike Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
Trails Used: Appalachian Trail
Trail Traffic: Moderate to Heavy
Trip Type: Day or Overnight Hike
More Information:
Nantahala National Forest
Cheoah District, Route 1, Box 16A
Robbinsville, NC 28771
828-479-6431
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 Wayah Gap on NC 1013 and follows the Appalachian Trail on a southbound ascent of 1200 feet to Siler Bald.
Recommended:
Guidebook For This Area
Trail Map For This Area
More Details:
- click to watch video from this hike near Franklin, N.C.: Timberrrrrr (password required)
- click to see trail photos from this hike on the Appalachian Trail: June 15, 2002, February 22, 2014
- click to see more photos from this backpacking trip to Siler Bald: October 19, 1996, March 4, 2000, October 7, 2006
- click to view a detailed trip report of this walk in the Nantahala National Forest: June 15, 2002, October 7, 2006, February 22, 2014 (password required)
- click to read a photo journal from a camping trip to Siler Bald: June 15, 2002 (password required)
- click to view maps: Siler Bald Area Map, Siler Bald Detailed Map (password required), Siler Bald Profile Map (password required), Wallace Gap to Licklog Gap Profile Map (password required), GA/NC Border to Wallace Gap Trail Map (password required)
- click for more information on the Appalachian Trail
- click for the Long Trail discussion forum
- click for the Southeastern Destinations discussion forum
- click for Appalachian Trail hiking and backpacking books
- click to access the guidebook Appalachian Trail: Georgia-North Carolina which has details on this destination
- click for other North Carolina hiking and backpacking books
- click for other hikes on the Appalachian Trail in North Carolina
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