July 16, 2024
Siler Bald Loop
near Franklin, NC
We encountered better than expected hiking weather with mild, 71°F to 75°F temperatures, lower humidity and an occasional breeze, making for a pleasant hike. The overall hike is moderately strenuous due to the continual climb over the first 2.0 miles. The AT portion of this loop is in excellent condition with recent heading back of overgrowth, but it is still a bit rocky and rooty. The latter part of the return trail is on a old roadbed. There were numerous wildflowers today dominated by White and Red Beebalm. There were several other unique varieties of wildflowers too. Siler Bald provided excellent vistas, even though a bit hazy. The jewel of this hike was the beautiful meadow of wildflowers leading up to the peak.
Today's Hikers: Kim Johnson, Jim Driggers, Edwin Pruitt, Jenny Bell, Lynn Steele, Mike Bell & Matt Henderson with Toby
The route
5.0 mi · 1,266 ft climbing · 3h 42m out, 2h 54m walking · 1.7 mph moving
Elevation
Hover over the profile to see the elevation and steepness. Your position will be shown on the map.
- Steepness
- Gentle under 5%
- Moderate 5–10%
- Steep 10–15%
- Very steep over 15%
26 photos are shown on the map where they were taken — click one to see it full size.
Photos (26)
The beautiful meadow on the way up to Siler Bald. Photo by Matt Henderson. There are a lot more wildflowers in this meadow than first meets the eye. Today's Hikers (L-R): Kim, Jim, Edwin, Jenny, Lynn, Mike & Matt with Toby. It's a start. Lots of wildflowers. Top: Heal-all; LR: Filmy Angelica; LL: Wild Hydrangea It's amazing how well this small bridge has lasted on this trail. So much Red and White Beebalms today. And there were masses of Red Beebalm, too. Some very large fruiting Umbrella Leaf among the Beebalm. A Trillium with fruit. I bet this trail is really beautiful in the Spring. An impressive variety of large fungi. Kim spotted these small Indian Pipes emerging from the leaf cover. . . . as well as many of the other wildflowers seen today. These Starry Campion were really stunning. Some of the many wildflowers in the meadow going up Siler Bald. Some of the great views from Siler Bald. Another view from Siler Bald, a favorite hike of Dr. David Whitaker, who hiked with this group for many years. We're here. You hate to leave this place. Some really large Black-eyed Susans along the trail enroute to the Siler Bald Shelter. I think this is a Carolina Lily, not an American Turk's-cap Lily? Kim's keen eye saw this Southern Blue Monkshood. Just taking it easy at the Siler Bald Shelter. Anyone see a bear? Several more of these droppings were found on our path back. Another small, pretty meadow of Annual Fleabane. There were many of these Yellow Jewelweed, but only one fully open. Wait for me. A last interesting wildflower, Woodland Groovebur (aka Woodland Agrimony) ??