Sat, Jul 11
About
NOTE: This hike is part of a series of hikes, 7/7-7/13. There will be no carpool as I will be staying in Hiawassee. Thank you to Greg for sharing your hike. I have done both Wayah and Siler from a different direction so hike is noted as exploratory. Join me as we enjoy a slightly different version of the classic AOC Siler Bald trek! This adventure includes not just the beautiful views from Siler Bald, but also Wayah Bald and its famous firetower. I've been on most but not all of this hike, so I've designated it as "Exploratory". Our adventure starts at the Wayah Gap Picnic area. We will head north on the Appalachian Trail for a 2.7 mile, 1,000 foot ascent that will take us near the top of Wine Spring Bald. Continuing on the AT and Jones Cabin Road/Trail, we'll have some small ups and downs for about 1.7 miles until we get to the Wayah Bald firetower. The views here are outstanding, and we'll enjoy lunch here at 5,385 feet elevation while taking in the scenic vistas. Next we'll retrace our steps, hiking past our cars and on to the summit of Siler Bald (elevation 5,161 feet.) Siler Bald is a very large, grassy bald which offers us more fantastic views. We'll admire the scenery before taking the Siler Bald Shelter Trail to complete a counterclockwise lollipop, eventually intersecting the AT near our cars as we complete the adventure. The hike is approximately 12 miles with 2,900 feet elevation gain. It's a challenging D5 mountain trek. You'll need recent D5 or equivalent hiking experience and be comfortable moving at a moderate pace of up to 2.6 mph (we'll probably be in the 2.4 to 2.6 mph range, depending on circumstances). If you don't have recent D5 or higher hiking experience with the AOC we will be in contact to determine whether this event is right for you. (Credit to RonnyJ for portions of the itinerary description as well as the photo and the map)
VENUE
Atlanta Outdoor ClubNEIGHBORHOODSouthWest Atlanta
TYPEorganization
ADDRESS1442 Richland Rd SW, Atlanta, GA 30310, USA
