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Sensational Summit
Written By: Deena Bouknight | Issue: September - 2022
Stunning, spectacular, and awe-inspiring are all overused adjectives to describe the Western North Carolina Mountains. But the end result of a hiking trail in the Nantahala National Forest truly embodies those declarations and many more.
For a pinnacle hike, Siler Bald is doable for most anyphysical fitness range and age. Instead of a steepascent, the elevation gain is gradual – a little over 1,000feet – while traversing the 2.5 miles to reach the top. Most ofthe trail is part of the Appalachian Trail system that runs fromGeorgia to Maine. It is just the last part, when emerging fromthe tree-shaded path, that the A.T. continues left toward WayahBald, while the crème de la crème of the hike requires veeringright through an open, hilly, grassy field. The short climb endsat a Sound of Music-like hilltop, or “bald,” where vistas are“stunning, spectacular, awe-inspiring,” and much more.Although the hilly field is dense with wildflowers duringspring and summer months, the leaves obscure somewhatan opportunity to take in Siler Bald’s complete 360-degreeexperience, which includes Nantahala Lake, Wayah Bald’sfire tower, the North Georgia Mountains, and the expanse ofmountains toward Franklin. But it’s still worth it to hike duringthose seasons.Fortunately, Siler Bald is a year-round accessible hiking trail.In fact, a fall hike provides resplendent color for as far as theeyes can see. However, a favorite time to hike Siler Bald isafter a not-too-deep snowfall, when the pristine white blanketaccentuates summits and valleys. Winter months, in fact, affordthe greatest 360-degree views.Finally, some hikers make it a point to get to the trailheadparking lot, just across the street from the turn to Wayah Bald,off Wayah Road (west of Franklin), in time to make the 2.5mile hike to the top and watch the sunset, and then hike downwith flashlights in the dark. Or, they hike up very early in themorning in the dark and wait for the sunrise.Many people pack in and spend at least one night on the bald. Infact, a fire ring awaits overnighters.A few trickling creeks and slight waterfalls are part of the hikeup and back down, but the true picturesque opportunity is at thetop. Many people take photos of the stone plaque on Siler Baldthat marks the official elevation and highest point at 5,216 feet –proof that they made it. Yet, the extraordinary scenic backdropin every direction is proof enough.
by Deena Bouknight / photo by Eric Haggart
