AT Fix 3: Siler Bald (From Winding Stair Gap; No carpool)

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AT Fix 3: Siler Bald (From Winding Stair Gap; No carpool)

The Basics:

Event Type:

Hike

Event Location:

Siler Bald (From Winding Stair Gap)

Date(s) & Time:

Sun, Dec 7 2025 8:00 am >> Sun, Dec 7 2025 1:00 pm

Registration Opens:

Sat, Nov 1 2025 7:07 pm

Registration Cut Off:

Sat, Dec 6 2025 7:07 am

Event Duration:

5 Hours

Difficulty Rating:

D4: Moderate to Difficult

Distance:

8.7 Miles

Pace:

Moderate

Trip Leader(s):

Kiran

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:

10 / 0 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)

Are Dogs Permitted:

Yes

Itinerary:

FIRST THINGS FIRST:

This is a moderately strenuous hike with 1700+ foot elevation gain. So, this is NOT a beginner hike - you must have recent D3+ experience; Also, if you have mobility issues, are recovering from injury, or prefer a slow pace, please sit this one out!

Siler Bald, arguably one of the most scenic vistas on the Appalachian Trail (AT), is only a couple of hours drive from Atlanta. What makes this a particularly appealing hike is that this 5,161 feet summit, unobstructed by trees and brush, offers a sweeping 360º view of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

The plan is to meet at the parking area at Winding Stair Gap, hike north on the AT, which ascends 1700+ feet via Panthers Knob, to the base of Siler Bald. From there, the final ascent to the summit is a steep haul, but well worth the effort. We'll stop for a leisurely lunch at the summit, take some photos, and breathe in some more of that bracing mountain air before returning to our cars. BTW, as is typical of the AT in this area, expect some rocky and muddy terrain, so trekking poles are highly recommended. I plan to hike at a moderate pace (25 min/mile; approx. 2.5 mph) with hydration stops at every mile, or scenic overlook, whichever comes first!

The total round-trip driving distance from the top end of the perimeter (Spaghetti Junction) all of it on major highways, is approx. 250 miles. There is no official carpool, but feel free to create an informal carpool, or ride with a friend.

Please note: The start and end time of this event are from Winding Stair Gap.

Required Items to Bring:

Weather appropriate gear

Hiking boots/shoes w/ good traction

Water

Lunch/snack

and

Your SOH (sense of humor)

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

Trekking poles

Hat & sunglasses

Raingear or poncho (just in case)

Camera

Dark chocolate (for Kiran)!

How to Get There:

Event Directions:

On the day before the event, I will email participants the exact meeting location and detailed directions.

Notes:

1. Please, no unregistered guests or +Ones!

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

3. Please note: The trip leader reserves the right to assign a “no show” to members who sign up and fail to attend the event, especially when the event has an active waitlist.

4. If you need to get in touch with me, the best way is to TEXT me with your NAME at 4O4 7-Five-4 5OO5. FYI, thanks to those annoying robocalls, calling me will send you to my voicemail, but feel free to leave a message.

5. I usually hike RAIN-or-SHINE! However, in case of severe weather or other unforeseen emergencies that warrant a cancellation, I will text/email you at least TWO HOURS before the start of the event.

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

Cost Includes:

There is no cost for this event.

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

If Life happens, and you need to cancel, please go to the AOC website and deregister by the deadline. If after the deadline, please TEXT or leave a voicemail at 4O4 7-five-4 5OO5. BTW, calling me at the last minute is futile because thanks to those annoying robocalls, my phone does not ring for unknown numbers.
In order to earn credit for this event, participants must complete the entire hike/event with the group, or within the stated time frame.