Wayah and Siler Bald - Sat, Oct 20 2012

Wayah and Siler Bald

The Basics:

Event Type:

Hike

Event Location:

near Franklin, NC

Date(s) & Time:

Sat, Oct 20 2012 10:15 am >> Sat, Oct 20 2012 8:00 pm (Carpool Departure: 8:00 am *log in for location*)

Registration Opens:

Tue, Oct 16 2012 6:16 am

Registration Cut Off:

Fri, Oct 19 2012 8:00 am

Event Duration:

9 Hours 45 Minutes

Difficulty Rating:

D5: Difficult

Distance:

12 Miles

Pace:

Moderate

Trip Leader(s):

Doug L

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:

3 / 0 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)

Are Dogs Permitted:

Itinerary:

This hike will start at the Wayah Crest campground between the 2 mountains. We will follow the Appalachian Trail north to the tower on top of Wayah Bald where we will have lunch and look at Siler Bald, our next destination. After lunch we will go south on the AT to Siler Bald. After climbing Siler we will return to our cars.

The tower on Wayah Bald and grassy peak of Siler Bald both offer a good views of the surrounding mountains and we should see some nice fall colors. I took this photo of Wayah Bald from Siler Bald on October 16 a couple of years ago.

At 12 miles and 3000 feet of elevation gain this will be a strenuous hike. But I do not intend for this to be a fitness hike so particularly fast hikers might be frustrated with the pace. The trail is not particularly rocky and most of the elevation gain is spread out with the short climb from the base to summit of Siler Bald being the only really steep section. We will be hiking at a moderate pace(by D5 standards) and making stops to take pictures or admire the scenery. Faster hikers can go ahead but we will regroup at the tower, road crossings and Siler Bald to avoid getting too strung out.

Depending on the group this hike will probably take 6 to 8 hours. The drive is about 2.25 hours each way not counting the usual break on the way up.

NOTES:

This hike will be cancelled if the chance of thunderstorms is 50% or greater or a steady all day rain is forecast.

I prefer hiking with a small group and will not increase the maximum group size if this hike does fill up.

Required Items to Bring:

Good hiking boots or shoes
2+ liters of water
Emergency rain gear
Food
Gas money for driver

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

Poles
Camera
Dry shirt
Bag for muddy boots

How to Get There:

Event Directions:

Directions to trailhead will be given at carpool (or via email if "meeting at event").

Carpool to Event Distance (round trip):

215Mile(s)

Carpool Departure Time:

8:00 am

Carpool Location:

Carpool Directions:

Carpool Cost:

Estimated cost per vehicle for this event is $86.00 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:

Because this a D5 event, if you have not very recently completed some tough AOC hikes, I will be contacting you to determine your level of fitness and experience to make sure this is the right hike for you.

This hike will be cancelled if the chance of thunderstorms is 50% or greater or a steady all day rain is forecast.

I prefer hiking with a small group and will not increase the maximum group size if this hike does fill up.

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

Cost Includes:

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