This is the fifth of series of weekend hikes to complete from GA border Bly Gap to Fontana Dam NC section of AT. 

Week 5: Wayah Bald to Nantahala River

This is arguably the toughest section of what we have done so far in this series. This is also one the most scenic section. We start at elevation of 5300' and hike number of cascating ascent and decent with some beautiful views, so get your camera ready when we pass thru Copper Ridge Bald, Wesser Bald Tower, the jumoff and finally the beautiful Nantahala River. The distance, temperature and cascating climb for the first 12 miles just make it very challenging. It will be a rather grueling hike, but definitely an adventure and well worth the effort. When you are tired and hot, think of this: the last 5.5 miles is all down hill with some small bumps.

Please note: This event is car pool only, There will be two groups, one group will carpool on Saturday at 3 PM, stay at Nantahala river area in Bryson city North Carolina and meet the second group at 9 AM on Sunday at Nantahala outdoor center. The second group start 6 AM on Sunday and meet the first group at 9 AM. ( at Nantahala outdoor center). Then we leave one car and shuttle to Wayah Bald, we start our hike at approximatly 10 AM, fast hikers will go ahead and bring the cars back to Nantahala River area when our hike ends. 

Please indicate if you are going Saturday or Sunday. If there are at least 10 people going on Saturday, Nantahala outdoor center has air conditioned hostle with bunkbeds that we can rent as a group. We can also do tent camping, or stay in hotel/motel, we make this decision after people sign up and show their interest to go Saturday or early Sunday.

Week 1: Deep Gap to Bly Gap and back ~ 14 miles and about 4000' elevation 

Week 2 :Deep Gap to Betty Creek Gap ~ 12.5 Miles

Week 3: Betty Creek Gap to Winding Stair Gap ~ 12.5 Miles

Week 4: Winding Stair Gap To Wayah Bald ~ 11 Miles and 3100' elevation

Week 5: Wayah Bald To Nantahala River (Wesser) 17.4 miles

Week 6: 

Week 7:

Week 8)

 Mileage breakdown:

* Wayah Bald to Burningtown Gap ~ 4.5 Miles

*  Burningtown Gap to Cold Spring Shelter ~ 1.2 Miles

* Cold Spring Shelter to Telico Gap ~ 3.6 Miles

* Telico Gap To Wesser Bald Shelter ~ 2.2 Miles

* Wesser Bald Shelter To Nantahala River ~ 5.9 Miles

 Total distance: ~17.4 miles

* Total ascent: ~3850 ft. Elevation gain from Wayah Bald to Nantahala River

 PLEASE NOTE: I LIKE EVERYONE TO STAY TOGETHER IN THIS HIKE. FAST HIKERS ARE WELCOME BUT MUST STAY WITH THE GROUP, SLOW HIKERS MUST BE ABLE TO HIKE 2.5 MILES AN HOUR. THIS HIKE IS DESIGNED FOR MODERATE SPEED HIKERS.

Sunday