November 3, 2026
Siler Bald Loop
Wow, what a "great day for a hike!" We enjoyed beautiful fall colors all along the roads to the trailhead, paired with a cool, breezy day in the 50s and 60s. We hiked out to Siler Bald on the Appalachian Trail and looped back via an access trail to the Siler Bald shelter and the Siler Bald Road. The trails were in excellent condition with just a light layer of damp fallen leaves underfoot. We caught great peaks of the surrounding mountains throughout most of the trek, but the 360-degree visibility from Siler Bald itself was incredible—easily stretching 50+ miles in all directions. While the trees up on the bald had already lost most of their leaves, the views looking down into the lower elevations and valleys were spectacular, with the sunlight perfectly highlighting massive patches of brilliant yellow and red colors. It was easily the best view I've ever had from this peak! We spotted just a few late wildflowers along the path, and I don't think the autumn colors will get any better than this as we approach the end of 2026.
Today's Hikers: Kim Helton, Allyson Aldrich, Angela Evans, Jenny Bell & Mike Bell.
The route
4.6 mi · 1,124 ft climbing · 3h 38m out, 2h 55m walking · 1.6 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%
23 photos are shown on the map where they were taken — click one to see it full size.
Photos (23)
A photo from the top of Siler Bald with Mount Pisgah? in the right background. Today's hikers with Wine Spring Bald in the background (L-R): Kim, Allyson, Mike, Jenny & Angela. What a good start with four smiling ladies ready to go. So up we go on an easy incline on a damp-leaved path. A small bridge crossing and they are still smiling. Some, but you have to look, immediate color along the trail. The ladies let me take the lead today. These downed trees are curious sights. Not a lot of reds except the small red maples and this red oak sprout. This unknown pale yellow tree was quite prevalent on the return leg of our hike. This large, unmolested by Wooly Adelgids, Hemlock is tree of the day. I could not fine a tag to see if it had been treated. The final climb up Siler Bald is only 200+ feet but it seem more than that. Our ladies stop to enjoy the beautiful view behind them. Keep climbing and the views get even better. That's Mount Pisgah? in the background. Here's a panoramic view from the west side of Siler Bald. Yep, we were there. A nice contrast of colors as we head back down Siler Bald. A peek of Nantahala Lake. Lavenders and purples seem to be the colors of the few wildflowers we saw. More colors along the trail. The "headwaters" of the Right Prong Rough Fork of Wayah Creek as we approach Siler Bald shelter. Yep, it's still there. Almost there as we walk down Siler Bald Road.