Siler Bald - Backpacking On The NC Applachian Trail

Another opportunity for some winter backpacking along one of the more scenic sections of the Appalachian Trial, to our destination of Siler Bald.

With a summit of 5,216 feet Siler Bald offers a sweeping 360 degree view of the surrounding valleys. And while there is almost 1500 feet in elevation gain, most of it is fairly gradual over four miles.  The total distance hiked over two days will be around 8-10 miles, depending on how many trips you make to the summit, from the campsite.

Total driving distance is close to 240 miles round trip, all of it is over major highways. So driving time should be no more than 2-2 ½ hours each way. 

Details --

We'll leave the park-n-ride at 8:30am

We should be on the trail around 10:30am, hiking a total of 4 miles to the campsite.  At about mile 3, we will veer off of the A.T. to the marked side trail to collect water from a spring located near the shelter.  Be prepared for some ice on the trail.   Note, we are not camping at the shelter.  After collecting water, we will continue up a steep trail (about 1/2 mile) to the base of Siler Bald at Snowbird Gap; we will camp in a grove of trees.  You can either filter the water at the spring, or do it later at the campsite; I will filter at the spring.

Once at camp, we can set up camp, eat lunch, gather wood for a fire, relax.  We can make the 5-10 minute walk to the top of Siler as many times as we want, but we will definitely want to see the sun set from the top.

On Sunday, we will plan to leave camp around 10:30am, hike back to the cars on the A.T.  The morning sunrise from the top is particularly special.

There is no water at the campsite, so I recommend that you start the hike with 1.5 or 2 liters.  At the shelter on the way up, collect enough water for the remainder of Saturday and Sunday morning; I recently did this hike and had about 4 1/2 liters of water for drinking and cooking.  Alternatively, you can hike all the way to the campsite and then make a return trip down to the water source. 

Up to two dogs allowed on this event... must be well tended to in the cold with appropriate dog blanket, etc.  I love dogs and don't want to see it shivering.  :-)

Weather report - Snowbird Gap location: http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=35.1393&lon=-83.5771#.VrnbVsCAOko

Thanks goes to Tom J for many of the detailed descriptions of this trip event!

Email me if you have any questions.  Kristi@atlantaoutdoorclub.com

North on I-85. Take I-985 near Mall of Georgia. Continue on I-985. After 26 miles this intersate will become US 23. Continue on US 23 through Clayton GA and into North Carolina. At Franklin NC take exit to US 64 West. Continue eight miles until Winding Stairs Gap parking lot.

***Event will be postponed if a lot of rain is forecast, nighttime temps in single digits, or if roads are not safe due to snow or ice.

Late cancellations, particularly within 36 hours of the event make it difficult for those on the wait list to attend. Please be courteous to your fellow AOC members and cancel with as much notice as possible.