Siler Bald - Sat, Mar 21 2026

Siler Bald

The Basics:

Event Type:

Hike

Event Location:

Winding Stair Gap

Date(s) & Time:

Sat, Mar 21 2026 7:30 am >> Sat, Mar 21 2026 5:30 pm (Carpool Departure: 7:30 am *log in for location*)

Registration Opens:

Tue, Mar 17 2026 6:00 pm

Registration Cut Off:

Fri, May 15 2026 6:00 pm

Event Duration:

10 Hours

Difficulty Rating:

D4: Moderate to Difficult

Distance:

10 Miles

Pace:

Moderate

Trip Leader(s):

Christa

Email Trip Leader(s)
You must be logged in to get the Trip Leader contact information.

Member Cost:

None

Participant Info:

Who's Invited:

Members Only, 21 And Older Only

Maximum Group Size:

Minimum Group Size:

Number Registered So Far:

1 / 0 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)

Are Dogs Permitted:

Itinerary:

Join me for a scenic Appalachian Trail adventure from Winding Stair Gap to Siler Bald. This 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 9 miles round trip with about 1,800 feet of elevation gain, and rewards hikers with sweeping 360-degree views of the surrounding mountains and valleys at the top. We’ll take a relaxed lunch break on the bald to enjoy the scenery before returning the same way to Winding Stair Gap.

Expect a steady pace, some rocky sections typical of the Appalachian Trail, and a 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 miles, passing through Toccoa and Clayton, and 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 a small roadside parking area along US-64. This is Winding Stair Gap.

Carpool to Event Distance (round trip):

240Mile(s)

Carpool Departure Time:

7:30 am

Carpool Location:

Carpool 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.