December 14, 2021
Sawmill Gap to Wayah Bald via Bartram & Appalachian Trails
west of Franklin, NC
Only two of us, but a perfect day for a hike with clear skies, unusually warm weather of 40-55 ℉ and a light breeze on Wayah Bald. The trail was in good condition with just a few minor blowdowns and growing washout on the AT portion of this trail. This trail is mostly moderate in difficulty with a couple of steep inclines at the beginning of the hike. Visibility from Wayah Bald was excellent even with a light haze. The regrowth of vegetation is slow on the slopes on the east side of Wayah Bald after the fires 5 years ago.
The route
8.1 mi · 1,677 ft climbing · 5h 2m out, 4h 20m walking · 1.9 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%
One photo is shown on the map where it was taken — click it to see it full size.
Photos (18)
The old fire tower, originally built in 1935 by the CCC on Wayah Bald. Today's Hikers (L-R): Mike & Gary . . . you missed a really nice hike! Good trail conditions except for the growing washout in the upper right pic.. Interesting pattern to this Lichen growing on a large rock. Some nice views from the trail. Gary scrambling under some blowdown and continuing down the trail. About half way there . . . at the intersection of the Bartram Trail and the AT. First time I've seen the Bartram Trail Conservancy Logo . . . nice! A little history on the Bartram Trail & Appalachian Trail Some history on the fire tower Just Gary and me . . . wish we had more folks to join us! Views from Wayah Bald still showing the effects of the 2016 fire. USGS reference marks at each end of the stone wall along the south side of Wayah Bald. A few patches of Ground Pine standing out in the brown, fallen leaves. Dead tree with interested candycane wood grain. Just an eye catching miniature arrangement of moss and ferns growing atop a tree stump. Makes me look tall, don't you think? Thanks for the hat Scott! A panoramic picture from the fire tower . . . great views all around!