McDonald Ridge to Wayah Bald
Location: Western North Carolina
Trip Starts: McDonald Ridge
Trip Ends: Wayah Bald
Total Distance: 2.2 miles
Hike Type: One Way, Shuttle Hike
Hike Difficulty: Moderate
Trails Used: Appalachian, Bartram
Trail Traffic: Moderate to Heavy
Trip Type: Day or Overnight Hike
More Information:
Nantahala National Forest
Wayah Ranger District
Franklin, NC 28734
828-524-6441
Highlights:
This section of the Bartram Trail runs from McDonald Ridge to Wayah Bald heading northbound toward Nantahala Lake and shares all but 0.5 miles of the route with the Appalachain Trail. On the hike you will pass the Wine Spring Bald spring and campsite located at 5400 feet. This is the highest point on the entire Bartram Trail and there are a few campsites in this area for overnight camping. The section ends at Wayah Bald which has a firetower with excellent views. Wayah Bald has a parking area and is accessible via USFS 69 from Wayah Gap. The road is closed during the winter months.
Recommended:
Guidebook For This Area
Trail Map For This Area
More Details:
- click to see a video from this backpacking trip near Franklin, NC: Wayah Bald Burn Zone, Siler Bald From Wayah, Virgin Campsite, Walking To The Sun (password required)
- click to see trail photos from this hike to Wayah Bald: April 28, 2018
- click to read a journal entry for this hike on the Bartram Trail: April 28, 2018 (password required)
- click to view maps for this hike in the Nantahala National Forest: Wallace Gap to Licklog Gap Profile Map, Wallace Gap to Cold Spring Shelter Trail Map (password required)
- click to see another hike to McDonald Ridge via Wayah Gap
- click for more information on the Appalachian Trail
- click for more information on the Bartram Trail
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- click to access the guidebook Appalachian Trail: Georgia-North Carolina which has details on this destination
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