Wayah Bald Tower
Area Status: Open
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. |
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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.Activities
Day Hiking
Backpacking
Viewing Scenery
Hiking, camping backpacking, picnicking, interpretive signsSpecial 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 |
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Interpretive Areas
Picnicking
PicnickingDifficulty Level: | Easy |
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Alerts & Warnings
- Moss Knob Shooting Range temporary closure
- Catawba Falls Trail (TR 225) Closed
- Camping and other restrictions now in effect at Max Patch
- Nantahala RD: Multiple areas under construction
- Appalachian RD: NCDOT construction near Harmon Den may affect Forest access
- Grandfather RD: Old House Gap Rd (FS192) temporarily closed
- Recreate responsibly
- Joyce Kilmer Trail Lower Loop Closed due to rain damage
- Target Shooting prohibited on Croatan National Forest