Recreation Region: Nantahala Ranger District

Wayah Bald Tower

A visit to Wayah Bald and Tower is well worth the journey. See the Wilson Lick Ranger Station, built in 1913, Wilson Lick is the first ranger station in the Nantahala National Forest. Continue another 3 miles to Wayah Bald which provides a beautiful view of Franklin. Take a short paved trail to the historic Wayah Bald FIre Tower. The tower offers a great view of the Appalachian Mountains in Georgia, Tennessee and both North and South Carolinas. Picnic nearby or hike two long-distance trails, the Appalachain and Bartram Trails that cross the bald at the tower.

General Information

year round

Wayah Bald Road (FS 69) is closed seasonally from January 1-April 1

None

Getting There

Latitude / Longitude

Latitude: 35.18033496

Longitude: -83.56081764

Directions

From Franklin take 64 W for approximately 3 miles, turn right at Wayah Bald/ LBJ Job Corps sign. Turn left on SR 1310 at Loafer's Glory gas station and travel approximately 8 miles. Turn right onto Wayah Bald turnoff Forest Service Road 69. Follow the gravel road 4.5 miles.