Wayah Bald: NC Mountains Rewind

We are rewinding back to 2011. This route was last done by the AOC on Apriil 23, 2011. Trip Leader Stefan Lutz navigated six determined hikers thru a successful journey conquering 3 peaks, 20 miles and 4000 feet of elevation gain.  Join us to repeat history.

Stefan"s Original Event Description:

This is a triple bald hike, including Siler Bald, Wine Spring Bald, and Wayah Bald. We start this 20-mile round trip hike at Winding Stairs Gap (~3800 ft), following the steadily rising 4 miles-long trail to the summit of Siler Bald (5216 ft). After claiming the first summit, we descend to Wayah Gap (~4200 ft) and go about two and a half miles to the top of Wine Spring Bald at 5440 ft. Following the ridge towards Wayah Bald, we lose and gain about 400 feet over two more miles to reach our destination: Wayah Bald (5350 ft).

At Wayah Bald we will have a 360 degree view of the North Carolina mountains, including the Great Smokey Mountains. We will visit a two-story stone tower built by the Civilian Conservation Corps there in the 30’s. The top of the tower has labeled etchings of the horizon that will show us the names of the mountains we are seeing. Following our lunch break on the summit, we will retrace our steps back to the cars at Winding Stairs Gap. After a long day on the trail, the pizza place near Clayton GA never looked better for dinner.

THIS IS AN EXTREMELY STRENUOUS 20-MILE HIKE WITH APPROXIMATELY 4000 FEET IN ELEVATION GAIN.

This trip is intended for those in excellent shape. Be honest with yourself whether you have the physical ability and desire to do this event. Previous hiking experience in mountain conditions is highly recommended and you should have been able to complete a less strenuous D5 hike fairly comfortably. We will be keeping a good moderate pace as we hike thoughout the day. If you sign up and I do not know your hiking ability, I will contact you to find out if I believe you are a good candidate for this trip. I reserve the right to remove any member from this trip, who in my opinion, may not have the physical ability to keep up with the group.

North on I-85. Take I-985 near Mall of Georgia. Continue on I-985. After 26 miles this interstate will become US 23. Continue on US 23 to Clayton GA.  We will have a pit stop there at the Burger King, which will be on the right in Clayton.  After that get back on US 23 North and go into North Carolina. At Franklin NC take exit to US 64 West. Continue eight miles until Winding Stairs Gap parking lot.

Credit to Stefan for the event description and creation.