Wayah and Siler Bald, NC - Sat, Feb 26 2022

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Wayah and Siler Bald, NC


The Basics:
Event Type:Hike
Event Location: near Franklin, NC   Hike: Wayah and Siler Bald, NC  National Weather Service Forecast
Date(s) & Time:Sat, Feb 26 2022  10:30 am >> Sat, Feb 26 2022 5:15 pm  (Carpool Departure: 8:00 am   *log in for location*)
Registration Opens: Mon, Feb 21 2022 9:00 pm
Registration Cut Off: Fri, Feb 25 2022 10:00 pm
Event Duration:6 Hours 45 Minutes
Difficulty Rating:D5: Difficult
Distance:14 Miles
Pace:Moderate
Trip Leader(s):
Kristi
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Member Cost:None

Participant Info:
Who's Invited: Members Only, 21 And Older Only
Maximum Group Size:8
Minimum Group Size:2
Number Registered So Far: 8 / 0 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)
Are Dogs Permitted: Yes

Itinerary:

This hike will start at the Wayah Gap parking/picnic area on Wayah Rd. between the 2 mountains (of Wayah and Siler Bald).  We will follow the Appalachian Trail north to the tower on top of Wayah Bald where we will have lunch or snack, look at the views, and Siler Bald, our next destination. After lunch we will go south on the AT to Siler Bald. We will pass by the cars so that you could replenish the amount of water you are carrying. After climbing Siler we will return to our cars. 

The tower on Wayah Bald and grassy peak of Siler Bald both offer a good views of the surrounding mountains and we should see some awesome winter views.  

At 12 miles and 3000 feet of elevation gain this will be a strenuous hike. The trail is not particularly rocky and most of the elevation gain is spread out with the short climb from the base to summit of Siler Bald being the only really steep section.  We will be hiking at a moderate pace (about 2.5mph). Faster hikers can go ahead with proper communication as to what you're intending! but we will regroup at the tower, road crossings and Siler Bald to avoid getting too strung out.

This hike will probably take approx 7 hours.  This is an estimate!   Once we're on top of Siler Bald, our great reward, we might remain for this awesome viewing up to 45 min depending on how much time we have.  Soak in the sun!  The drive is about 2.5 hours each way counting the usual break on the way up or on the way back.

At the finish of the hike, I will not immediately jump into the car; instead will like to stretch, change shoes and any wet clothing and enjoy a hearty snack or two.   (Still not stopping for dinner at any restaurants in Clayton.)


NOTES:

Because this a D5 event, if you have not very recently completed some tough AOC hikes, I will be contacting you to determine your level of fitness and experience to make sure this is the right hike for you.

This hike will be cancelled if the chance of thunderstorms is 50% or greater or a steady all day rain is forecast.

If you have evening plans back in the city, you should probably plan to drive yourself.

If you're not feeling well, have been recently ill in the past week or two, please remain home and rest.

DOGS:

Up to two very well behaved dogs allowed, they must be in great shape and the owner must be able to control the dog 


Required Items to Bring:
  • Good hiking boots or shoes
  • 2+ liters of water
  • Winter clothing and layers, hat, gloves
  • Emergency rain gear
  • Food
  • Gas money for driver
  • Clean shoes for the car ride
  • Recommended hiking gear from the Events Checklist!
Recommended Items to Bring:
Use our Event Checklists to make sure you have everything you need.
  • Trekking Poles
  • Camera

How to Get There:
Event Directions:

Start of the hike:  https://goo.gl/maps/HTFnsNzioWQQzj6H9

Carpool to Event Distance (round trip):245Mile(s)
Carpool Departure Time: 8:00 am
Carpool Location:   Log in for location
Carpool Directions:   Log in for directions
Carpool Cost: Estimated cost per vehicle for this event is $98.00 using a reimbursement rate guideline of $0.400 per mile. The total amount should be divided by the number of people in the vehicle, including the driver. This is a guideline, not a rule, for drivers but the cost should not be higher unless there are extenuating circumstances.

Notes:

"AllTrails" puts this hiking mileage at 13.7.  It is 8.6 round trip to Wayah Bald; it is 5.1 roundtrip to Siler. 


* We encourage all members to follow our Etiquette Guidelines while participating in AOC events.

Cost Includes:

NA


Cancellation/Partial Attendance:   Please review the AOC cancellation policy.
*Note:
  • NA