April 15, 2025
Appalachian Trail - Wilson Lick Ranger Station to Wayah Bald
near Franklin, NC
It started as a sunny, but fairly cold, 47F, windy morning, but ended sunny and mild. Trail conditions were quite good, but still had the usual rocks and roots of the AT. There were a couple of moderately steep climbs, but not as tough as expected. We met a dozen plus AT through-hikers from numerous US states, plus a hiker from each of the UK, France and Germany. Views from Wayah Bald were quite good today. With warming and sunny afternoon skies, much of the trailside from Wine Spring Gap on was dominated by extensive blooming of Virginia springbeauty, That same section of the trail was also covered with Trout lily, with just a few blooming on our return to the trailhead. This was a moderately difficult, but not strenuous hike.
Today's Hikers: Betty Smith, Beth Hawkins, Charles Hawkins, Terre Pratt, Don Pratt, Lynn Steele, Matt Henderson with Toby, Jenny Bell, Gregg Nuessly & Mike Bell
The route
6.2 mi · 1,483 ft climbing · 4h 12m out, 3h 28m walking · 1.8 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%
21 photos are shown on the map where they were taken — click one to see it full size.
Photos (22)
The 1939, CCC-built fire tower at Wayah Bald Today's hikers (L-R): Betty, Beth, Charles, Terre, Don, Lynn, Matt & Toby, Jenny, Gregg & Mike Our trailhead was at the Wilson Lick Historic Ranger Station. The Wilson Lick Ranger Station and grounds. Just a little history of the ranger station-1 of 3 More history of the ranger station, 2 of 3 Last of the history of the ranger station, 3 of 3 So let's get started on the access trail to the AT from the ranger station. Yep, it's mostly uphill for the next 1.4 miles. We were greeted early on by Bluettes along this section of the AT. Not everyone was smiling during this initial climb. In most cases, the tree canopy has not even begun to bud out on this trail, but it does provide some glimpses of the surrounding mountains. Wine Spring Gap. This has the makings of another classic "American Gothic" painting. If I had only brought along my pitchfork. Lots of my favorite, American beech, trees in this section of the AT. Matt and Beth are taking in the initial views of mountains and valleys to the southeast just prior to reaching the peak of Wayah Bald. And here's that spectacular view. Just a short walk up to the tower from where the trail intersects this path. Such great views from the fire tower. Just a few of these Trout lilies in bloom, but the trailside was covered with these wildflowers. These Virginia springbeauties dominated the trailside along the midsection of the hike. Could this be Hobblebush that Beth Hawkins spotted at Wine Spring Gap? Not sure, but this may be some form of Buttercup seen on the latter part of the hike. Toby is ready to head home after this hike. Good job...4-legged and 2-legged hikers!!