Wesser Bald Fire Tower from NOC (part of a planned 25 hike series)

This Hike 

This is a 7.9 mile hike in each direction for a total of 15.8 miles from the Nantahala River at the NOC (elev. only 1723 feet), over 4627 foot Wesser Bald, down to Tellico Gap (elev. 3850 feet) and return.  We will start with a long climb out of Nantahala Gorge.  This will be a 2904 foot, 6.5 mile ascent of Wesser Bald.  Near the middle of the section is the Jump-up, a rocky outcrop boasting outstanding, extensive views of Cheoah Bald to the west, the Smokies to the north, and Balsam Mountains to the east.  Wesser Bald offers a superb view from the open platform of a former lookout tower where you can see mountain ranges in all directions.  From Tellico, the return ascent to Wesser Bald will be another 727 feet. For the roundtrip, our total climb will be over 4300 feet.

Here is a link to Google Maps that will take you to the trailhead:

https://goo.gl/maps/V2rAtgsSKCD3dnY5A

If you were facing the mountain with your back to the river, the Appalachian Trail crosses the road between the NOC General Store on the right and the outfitter on the left.  We will use the free parking spaces on the south side of the road which the NOC allows hikers to use.

Plan to be ready to meet at 9:15am at the trail crossing.