Siler Bald and Wine Spring Bald in Nantahala National Forest, NC

Hike Siler Bald and Wine Spring Bald Nantahala National Forest, NC

Class 1 10.3 miles 2300 gain 4-6 hrs Out + Back Jun 17, 2020
Effort
Beauty
Personality
Solitude

Siler Bald and Wine Spring Bald GPX Track

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This hike combines the trails for Siler Bald and Wine Spring Bald, starting from the Wayah Crest Trailhead. I started up Siler Bald first, and I'm happy I did since I had a few minutes of clear-ish skies enough to get some views before the fog rolled in. The trail is easy to follow and has a steep section through a pretty meadow toward the summit.

On my way back to start up to Wine Spring Bald, I noticed the Appalachian Trail bypasses the Wayah Crest Trailhead where my car was (see map), and crosses over Wayah Road before starting the ascent to Wine Spring Bald. The ascent up to Wine Spring Bald is pretty, but not particularly memorable, and it parallels a good dirt road most of the time. You can also drive to Wine Spring Bald, which is what a few people were doing as I dumbly walked up the trail. The AT merges with the Bartram Trail for a short time before a side trail veers to the right and leads to Wine Spring Bald. I'd recommend continuing along the Appalachian Trail from here to Wayah Bald (which apparently has some lovely views), but I didn't think it would be worth it since I had only fog up there. I'll have to return sometime. Anyway, the side trail leaves the AT, follows a service road for a short time and reached the summit, which just has towers and no view.

PEAKS ON HIKE
Elevation (ft) / Prominence (ft)
Peaks on hike
Elevation
Prominence
1
Siler Bald
5200 ft
1040 rise
2
Wine Spring Bald
5440 ft
1680 rise

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Starting up from the Wayah Crest Trailhead, first heading up to Siler Bald.
Starting up from the Wayah Crest Trailhead, first heading up to Siler Bald.
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The trail hugs the slope, doing one major switchback to gain the ridge that would lead to Siler Bald.
The trail hugs the slope, doing one major switchback to gain the ridge that would lead to Siler Bald.
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The trail emerges from the trees into a meadow.
The trail emerges from the trees into a meadow.
The trail keeps to the right at the top of the meadow to reach the summit.
The trail keeps to the right at the top of the meadow to reach the summit.
Looking back at where the trail comes out from the trees.
Looking back at where the trail comes out from the trees.
Ascending to Siler Bald.
Ascending to Siler Bald.
Looking back before the summit of Siler Bald.
Looking back before the summit of Siler Bald.
Siler Bald.
Siler Bald.
Siler Bald, view west.
Siler Bald, view west.
I bypassed the Wayah Crest Trailhead on the Appalachian Trail and continued across the road in order to get to Wine Spring Bald.
I bypassed the Wayah Crest Trailhead on the Appalachian Trail and continued across the road in order to get to Wine Spring Bald.
Looking back along the trail. I scared off a bear here. Well, it scared me too.
Looking back along the trail. I scared off a bear here. Well, it scared me too.
The trail parallels the road that leads to the Wayah Bald summit, unfortunately getting very close a couple of times.
The trail parallels the road that leads to the Wayah Bald summit, unfortunately getting very close a couple of times.
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Just typical forest walking.
Just typical forest walking.
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The trail crosses the road, ascending some stairs on the opposite side.
The trail crosses the road, ascending some stairs on the opposite side.
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Junction with the Bartram Trail, where the AT and the Bartram Trail merge for a bit.
Junction with the Bartram Trail, where the AT and the Bartram Trail merge for a bit.
A side trail on the right leads away from the AT and up to Wine Spring Bald. Continuing along the AT would lead to Wayah Bald, but the fog and fading light deterred me.
A side trail on the right leads away from the AT and up to Wine Spring Bald. Continuing along the AT would lead to Wayah Bald, but the fog and fading light deterred me.
Short road walk to get to Wine Spring Bald.
Short road walk to get to Wine Spring Bald.
Wine Spring Bald, nothing exciting.
Wine Spring Bald, nothing exciting.

Hire me or show me some love!

Hire/refer me as a web developer or send me a few bucks if you find my site useful. I’m not sponsored, so all fees are out-of-pocket and my time preparing trip reports is unpaid. I really appreciate it!