Wayah Bald and Siler Bald - Sat, Feb 8 2025

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Wayah Bald and Siler Bald

The Basics:

Event Type:

Hike

Event Location:

Wayah Gap, NC

Date(s) & Time:

Sat, Feb 8 2025 10:00 am >> Sat, Feb 8 2025 4:30 pm (Carpool Departure: 7:30 am *log in for location*)

Registration Opens:

Sun, Feb 2 2025 7:30 pm

Registration Cut Off:

Fri, Feb 7 2025 6:00 pm

Event Duration:

6 Hours 30 Minutes

Difficulty Rating:

D5: Difficult (Exploratory)

Distance:

12 Miles

Pace:

Moderate

Trip Leader(s):

Greg Pharo

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Member Cost:

None

Participant Info:

Who's Invited:

Members Only, 21 And Older Only

Maximum Group Size:

Minimum Group Size:

Number Registered So Far:

12 / 0 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)

Are Dogs Permitted:

Yes

Note: This is an "EXPLORATORY" trip. This means that there are parts of this trip, or perhaps the whole trip, that is new to your Trip Leader(s). However, they are confident that this will not be an issue.
This note is here so that you can make an informed decision. When a Trip Leader isn't personally familiar with a trip, there is an increased chance of things not going as planned and you need to be prepared. The Trip Leader may have additional details in the itinerary.

Itinerary:

Join me as we enjoy a slightly different version of the classic AOC Siler Bald trek! This adventure includes not just the beautiful views from Siler Bald, but also Wayah Bald and its famous firetower. I've been on most but not all of this hike, so I've designated it as "Exploratory".

Our adventure starts at the Wayah Gap Picnic area. We will head north on the Appalachian Trail for a 2.7 mile, 1,000 foot ascent that will take us near the top of Wine Spring Bald. Continuing on the AT and Jones Cabin Road/Trail, we'll have some small ups and downs for about 1.7 miles until we get to the Wayah Bald firetower. The views here are outstanding, and we'll enjoy lunch here at 5,385 feet elevation while taking in the scenic vistas.

Next we'll retrace our steps, hiking past our cars and on to the summit of Siler Bald (elevation 5,161 feet.) Siler Bald is a very large, grassy bald which offers us more fantastic views. We'll admire the scenery before taking the Siler Bald Shelter Trail to complete a counterclockwise lollipop, eventually intersecting the AT near our cars as we complete the adventure. Once finished we'll decide whether we want to meet up for optional refreshments/dinner or head straight back home.

The hike is approximately 12 miles with 2,900 feet elevation gain. It's a challenging D5 mountain trek. You'll need recent D5 or equivalent hiking experience and be comfortable moving at a moderate pace of 2.6 mph. If you don't have recent D5 or higher hiking experience with the AOC we will be in contact to determine whether this event is right for you.

Newcomers are welcome on this hike! We have a lot of new members this month, so I will hold up to two spaces on the waitlist for AOC members who have completed fewer than 10 events. I'll be in touch with new members to assess ability before adding them to this event.

(Credit to RonnyJ for portions of the itinerary description as well as the photo and the map)

Required Items to Bring:

At least 1 liter of water or other beverage

Lunch

Sturdy hiking footwear

Weather-appropriate outerwear and hat

Backpack or sidepack

Raingear (just in case)

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

Trekking poles

Snacks

How to Get There:

Event Directions:

Click here for Trailhead location

Carpool to Event Distance (round trip):

250Mile(s)

Carpool Departure Time:

7:30 am

Carpool Location:

Carpool Directions:

Carpool Cost:

Estimated cost per vehicle for this event is $100.00 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:

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

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