They failed to find it between Andrews and Aquone. At 3.4 miles the trail begins its push to Wayah Bald. This lot is a great design to share with a neighbor who also needs parking! Wayah Bald is a popular destination for travelers in North Carolina. To get to Wayah Bald, drive West on US 64 for 3.8 miles after the US 23/441 Exit (South). 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. Stunning views are found from the top of the tower. 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. The tower was refurbished in 2010 and reopened early in 2011 along with new pathways, a new restroom and new accessible parking. Highlights. Cherokee legend holds that the Nunnehi, the immortal spirit beings, kept these balds cleared so that eagles could catch rabbits. We parked a car at the Wayah Bald parking area and drove another car back down to the Wayah Gap/Crest parking area. 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. 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. Wayah Bald Lookout Tower is about 45 minutes from Franklin North Carolina. 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. On a good clear day you can see well into Tennessee, Georgia, and South 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. The Nantahala National Forest lies in the mountain and valleys of southwestern North Carolina. Take first left onto Wayah Road (state road 1310), go about 6.5 miles. 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. Two long-distance trails, the Appalachian Trail and the Bartram Trail, cross at the tower. If getting high above the local terrain is a must for you, then a visit to Wayah Bald near Franklin, North Carolina, is essential. 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. Looking out at all the peaks in the distance (including Cheoah Bald the terminus of the … Fees: None. Activities: Hiking, picnicking. The origin and continued maintenance of balds are the subject of scientific debate. Wayah is Cherokee for 'wolf'. Mile 0.1 – The Appalachian Trail crosses Wayah Rd immediately east of FR 69. The Front Parking Partner is a good option for those looking to gain space for off-street parking. Welcome to the Nantahala National Forest! The elevation here is 5012 feet. Nantahala Ranger District Dates: Open year-round. Wayah Bald Fire Lookout Tower NC Total Mileage: 0.4 Miles Parking area Directions 35.178022,-83.562712 Total rise: 33′ Facebook Are you sure you want to do this? 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 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. 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. There is a parking lot at the Gap if you need to leave a car. For trail maps, stop at the tower was refurbished in 2010 and reopened early in 2011 along a... 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