Siler Bald - Sat, Mar 28 2026

REGISTRATION REQUIRED: Once you've reviewed the event details, and decided you'd like to join us, you MUST sign up at the bottom of this page.



Siler Bald


The Basics:
Event Type:Hike
Event Location: Winding Stair Gap   Hike: Siler Bald  National Weather Service Forecast
Date(s) & Time:Sat, Mar 28 2026  10:00 am >> Sat, Mar 28 2026 3:00 pm  (Carpool Departure: 7:30 am   *log in for location*)
Registration Opens: Sat, Mar 21 2026 6:00 pm
Registration Cut Off: Fri, Mar 27 2026 6:00 pm
Event Duration:5 Hours
Difficulty Rating:D4: Moderate to Difficult
Distance:9 Miles
Pace:Moderate
Trip Leader(s):
Christa
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Member Cost:None

Participant Info:
Who's Invited: Members Only, 21 And Older Only
Maximum Group Size:8
Minimum Group Size:2
Number Registered So Far: 4 / 0 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)
Are Dogs Permitted: No

Itinerary:

Join me for  scenic Appalachian Trail adventure   from Winding Stair Gap  to Siler BaldThis  moderate-to-challenging   out-and-back  hike follows the  iconic Appalachian Trail  through beautiful mountain forest, climbing steadily toward the  open summit of  Siler Bald. 

The hike is  roughly miles  round trip  with about 1,800  feet of elevation  gainand  rewards hikers with  sweeping 360-degree  views of the  surrounding mountains and   valleys at  the top.   We’ll take  relaxed lunch break  on the bald  to enjoy the  scenery before returning the  same way to  Winding Stair Gap.

 Expect steady pace, some  rocky sections typical of  the Appalachian Trail, and  great day  in the mountains.

We will start hiking by 10am from Winding Stair Gap.


Required Items to Bring:

Hikes Shoes/Boots

2 to 3 liters of Water/Hydration Drinks

Lunch/Snacks

Winter Gear

Carpool Money

Recommended Items to Bring:
Use our Event Checklists to make sure you have everything you need.

Hiking Poles

Rain Gear 

Your Smile

Change of clothes/shoes for the ride back


How to Get There:
Event Directions:

DRIVING DIRECTIONS FROM PARK &  RIDE

Exit the  Park & Ride:   Turn left onto  Indian Trail- Lilburn Rd NW  and follow  signs to merge  onto I-85 North toward  Greenville.

Continue on I-85  North: Stay  on  I-85 N  for about  55 miles.

Exit toward Toccoa / Lavonia: Take  Exit 173 for  GA- 17 North (signs  for Toccoa / Lavonia).

Continue on GA-17  North: Follow  GA-17 N  for approximately 50 milespassing  through Toccoa  and Claytonand  continue into  North Carolina toward  Franklin.

Arrive in Franklin:  As you  enter the town  of Franklin look for  the intersection with US- 64.

Turn Right onto  US-64 West: Follow  US-64 W  toward Murphy  for approximately 10 miles.

Arrive at  Winding Stair Gap:  Look for  the Appalachian Trail crossing and  small  roadside parking area  along US-64This  is  Winding Stair Gap.

Carpool to Event Distance (round trip):240Mile(s)
Carpool Departure Time: 7:30 am
Carpool Location:   Log in for location
Carpool Directions:   Log in for directions
Carpool Cost: Estimated cost per vehicle for this event is $96.00 using a reimbursement rate guideline of $0.400 per mile. The total amount should be divided by the number of people in the vehicle, including the driver. This is a guideline, not a rule, for drivers but the cost should not be higher unless there are extenuating circumstances.

Notes:
* We encourage all members to follow our Etiquette Guidelines while participating in AOC events.


Cancellation/Partial Attendance:   Please review the AOC cancellation policy.