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.

At a Glance

Current Conditions: FS 69, which runs from Wayah road to the Bald, is closed from Jan 1 to April 1st. 
Operational Hours: Wayah Bald Road (FS 69) is closed seasonally from January 1-April 1
Fees: None
Open Season: year round
Usage: Light
Closest Towns: Franklin
Water: none
Restroom: vault
Operated By: Nantahala National Forest, Nantahala Ranger District, 90 Sloan Road, Franklin, NC 28734, (828)-524-6

General Information

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.

Recreation Map

Map showing recreational areas. Map Information

Activities

Day Hiking

Backpacking

Viewing Scenery

Hiking, camping backpacking, picnicking, interpretive signs
Special Feature 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 lon-distance trails, the Appalachain and Bartram Trails that cross the bald at the tower.
Difficulty Level: Easy to Difficult

Interpretive Areas

Picnicking

Picnicking
Difficulty Level: Easy