AT Fix 3: Siler Bald (From Wayah Gap; No carpool) - Tue, Sep 5 2023

REGISTRATION REQUIRED: Once you've reviewed the event details, and decided you'd like to join us, you MUST sign up at the bottom of this page.



AT Fix 3: Siler Bald (From Wayah Gap; No carpool)


The Basics:
Event Type:Hike
Event Location: Siler Bald (From Wayah Gap)   Hike: AT Fix 3: Siler Bald (From Wayah Gap; No carpool)  National Weather Service Forecast
Date(s) & Time:Tue, Sep 5 2023  10:00 am >> Tue, Sep 5 2023 2:00 pm
Registration Opens: Sat, Sep 2 2023 7:07 pm
Registration Cut Off: Tue, Sep 5 2023 8:00 am
Event Duration:4 Hours
Difficulty Rating:D3: Moderate
Distance:5.4 Miles
Pace:Moderate
Trip Leader(s):
Kiran
Email Trip Leader(s)
You must be logged in to get the Trip Leader contact information.
Member Cost:None

Participant Info:
Who's Invited: Members Only, 21 And Older Only
Maximum Group Size:12
Minimum Group Size:2
Number Registered So Far: 2 / 0 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)
Are Dogs Permitted: Yes

Itinerary:

 

Siler Bald, arguably one of the most scenic vistas on the Appalachian Trail (AT), is only a couple of hours drive from Atlanta. What makes this a particularly appealing hike is that this 5,161 feet summit, unobstructed by trees and brush, offers a sweeping 360º view of the surrounding mountains and valleys. 

The plan is to meet at the parking area at Wayah Gap, hike southbound on the AT, which ascends 1000+ feet to the base of Siler Bald. From there, the final ascent to the summit is a steep haul, but well worth the effort, and the ideal place to have a leisurely lunch, take some photos, and breathe in some more of that bracing mountain air before returning to our cars. BTW, as is typical of the AT in this area, expect some rocky and muddy terrain, so trekking poles are highly recommended. I plan to hike at a moderate pace (25 min/mile; approx. 2.5 mph) with hydration stops at every mile, or scenic overlook, whichever comes first!

The total round-trip driving distance from Atlanta, all of it on major highways, is approx. 250 miles. There is no official carpool, but feel free to create an informal carpool, or sign up and ride with a friend. Please note: The ending time of this event is for when we return to our cars at Wayah Gap.

 

DISCLAIMER: This is a moderately strenuous hike with 1000+ foot elevation gain. So, if you have mobility issues, are recovering from injury, or prefer a slow pace, please sit this one out!


Required Items to Bring:

Weather appropriate gear

Hiking boots/shoes w/ good traction

Water

Lunch

and

Your SOH (sense of humor)

Recommended Items to Bring:
Use our Event Checklists to make sure you have everything you need.

Trekking poles

Snack

Dark chocolate (for Kiran)


How to Get There:
Event Directions:

I will email detailed directions a few days before the event.


Notes:

  1. Please, no unregistered guests or +Ones!

  2. Late cancellations, particularly within 36 hours of the event, make it difficult for those on the waitlist to attend. Please be courteous to your fellow AOC members and cancel with as much notice as possible.

  3. I usually hike RAIN-or-SHINE, however, in case of severe weather or other unforeseen emergencies that warrant a cancellation, I will text/email you at least TWO HOURS before the start of the event.


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

Cost Includes:

There is no cost for this event.


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

  1. If Life happens, and you need to cancel, please go to the AOC website and deregister by the deadline. If after the deadline, please TEXT or leave a voicemail at 4O4 7-five-4 5OO5. BTW, calling me at the last minute is futile because thanks to those annoying robocalls, my phone does not ring for unknown numbers.

  2. In order to earn credit for this event, participants must complete the entire hike/event with the group, or within the stated time frame.