Siler Bald
North Carolina, United States, North America

Siler Bald

Page Type Page Type: Mountain/Rock
Location Lat/Lon: 35.13940°N / 83.5775°W
Additional Information County: Macon
Activities Activities: Hiking
Seasons Season: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Additional Information Elevation: 5220 ft / 1591 m
Sign the Climber's Log
Sign the Climber's Log!

Overview

Siler Bald from Wesser Bald
A great view of Siler Bald from Wesser Bald | 15 May 2013

Siler Bald is an amazing, wide-open perch from which to take in views of the surrounding North Carolina mountains. A top-100 North Carolina ranked peak with over 1,000 feet of vertical prominence and serving up amazing scenery, it’s a bit shocking that this peak is not better-known.

Rumor is that the Nantahala National Forest authorities now mow the bald to maintain the grassy opening and keep bushes and trees at bay. Regardless of the means, the result is broad big-sky views relatively rare in this region.

This peak is not to be confused with Silers Bald to the north, however according to this website both peaks are named after the same area family.
 
Siler Bald is easily accessed from AT trailheads, and makes a fine "no-brainer" side-trip for those already hoofin' it on the Appalachian Trail.  The rewards for the short stroll to this open summit are more than worth the small effort to get there!

Rank: 89th highest mountain in North Carolina
Prominence: 1,080 feet
USGS Quad: Waya Bald
Planning Map: Nantahala National Forest| Bly Gap to Fontana Dam | North Carolina (The Appalachian Trail Conservancy)

Peak stats data source: Lists of John

Summit Views

Summit panoGreat North Carolina views from the summit of Siler Bald | 15 May 2013
The views from the top of Siler Bald are bound to take your breath away! The lake partially visible to the west is Nantahala Lake. To the immediate north are Wine Spring Bald and Wayah Bald. To the southeast you can make out Albert Mountain, complete with observatory tower on top, and to the south is Standing Indian Mountain.
 
Summit panoMore fine Southern Appalachian views from the summit of Siler Bald

Getting There & Route Information


Looking up the slopes from the base of Siler Bald
From near the summit
Beginning our initial afternoon descent from near the summit
Looking down the slope
Looking down-slope beginning the descent from the summit 
Routes Summary

•From Siler Bald Shelter: 1.5 miles roundtrip
•From Wayah Gap: 4 miles roundtrip
•From Winding Stair Gap: 9 miles roundtrip

From any of these approaches, hike into a clearing below the bald. Ascend roughly 1/3 mile through the grass to the summit. Though a use path exists up the slope, the Forest Service requests that visitors spread out and walk off-trail through the grass to avoid beating a (worse) path through the vegetation.

Driving Directions to Trailheads

Wayah Gap:
From intersection of US Hwy 64 W and US Hwy 23/441, north of the town of Franklin, NC:
•Follow Hwy 64 westbound towards Murphy, NC for approximately 3.8 miles to Old Murphy Rd (SR 1448) on the right
•Drive down a hill briefly for less than 0.2 miles to Wayah Road (SR 1310) on left (Note Loafers Glory gas station at intersection)
•Continue on Wayah Rd. for 9.1 miles to FR (Forest Road) #69 on right (Wayah Gap)

Trailhead Coordinates
Latitude: 35.1534256
Longitude: -83.5804404

Winding Stair Gap:
From the town of Franklin, NC:
Follow US 64 10 miles westbound to Winding Stair Gap, notable by a big rock cut in mountain. Parking is on the left.

Trailhead Coordinates
Latitude: 35.120682
Longitude: -83.547218

Red Tape

Summit plaque
A nice directional plaque on the summit of Siler Bald | 15 May 2013
On the summit
Me on Siler Bald summit
Deb on the summit
SP member shreddeb
There is no fee to visit this part of the Nantahala National Forest and permits are not required for overnight stays in the backcountry. Please be mindful of posted Forest Service user warnings, such as “problem bear” alerts and campfire bans. Note that the Appalachian Trail is open to foot traffic only. Motorized vehicles and pack animals are not permitted. Please practice Leave No Trace principals:

1. Plan Ahead and Prepare
2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
3. Dispose of Waste Properly
4. Leave What You Find
5. Minimize Campfire Impacts
6. Respect Wildlife

Weather & Seasons

Find more about Weather in Franklin, NC
Click for weather forecast		 Spring and Fall are considered by many the most pleasant time to visit the Southern Appalachians.

Spring: In the Spring, daytime temperatures and warm and evenings are cool while the flowering shrubs are in bloom and the waterfalls are running. Water sources such as springs are most reliable this time of year.

Fall: In the fall, the broadleaf deciduous trees put on a bright display of autumn color, though waterfalls may not be as impressive and springs and other water sources less reliable. The air is cooler and crisper and visibility should be prime for long-range views.

Summer: in this part of the country can be oppressively hot and humid and even the higher elevation and ample tree cover will not keep the hiker from feeling overheated, sticky and dirty. High humidity and haze plus deep leaf cover mean limited long-range vistas, though it is in summer that the term “temperate rainforest” will have the most meaning to and be most appreciated by the visitor.

Winter: in the South Appalachians can range from cool and damp to cold and severe with bouts of deep snow following major storms. In other words, while this range may be relatively low in elevation and southern in latitude, mountains are still mountains and can bring unpredictable and potentially dangerous weather.
Pretty yellow flowersNice yellow flowers on the slopes of Siler Bald | 15 May 2013

Camping

Siler Bald Shelter
Looking up the hill at Siler Bald shelter from the tent camping area
Tent camping
Tent camping near Siler Bald shelter
The nearest Appalachian Trail backcountry camping is at Siler Bald Shelter at approximately 4,600 feet in elevation. The lean-to sleeps six and there is plenty of room for tent camping. Note that the shelter sits about ½ mile off the AT on a blazed spur trail.

External Links & Related Information

 
Summit views south
Views south
 
Summit views east
Views east
 
Summit views west
Views west
 
Summit views north
Views north
I encourage fellow SP members to attach route information and trip reports as well as notify me of any informative links that should be attached to this page.


Images

View Siler Bald Image Gallery - 19 Images

Table of Contents
Geography
Parents 

Parents

Parents refers to a larger category under which an object falls. For example, theAconcagua mountain page has the 'Aconcagua Group' and the 'Seven Summits' asparents and is a parent itself to many routes, photos, and Trip Reports.

Appalachian Trail MountainsMountains & Rocks