October 25, 2022
Sawmill Gap to Wayah Bald via Bartram & Appalachian Trails
While many of the leaves had already dropped, it was still a beautiful day for a hike with cool temperatures, partly cloudy skies and light winds. The trail was dry, very leafy, and in excellent condition. The AT portion of the hike from Wine Spring Gap to Wayah Bald was, as expected, a bit rocky and rooty. Just a couple of isolated wildflowers, but as Linda Shultz showed us, the seed heads of many of the wildflowers are striking. For an 8-mile hike and ~1,700 feet of elevation gain, this hike was moderately difficult with just the right combination of ups and downs to make it enjoyable. Dick Metzgar and Dave Hinson pleasantly surprised us by meeting us at the old fire tower on Wayah Bald.
The route
8.1 mi · 1,683 ft climbing · 5h 11m out, 4h 26m 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%
Photos (26)
A view to the southeast from Wayah Bald. Today's hikers (L-R) Back: Dave Hinson, Dick Metzgar, Linda Shultz, Heather, Edwin, Gerald, Don & Terri; Front: Mike, Renee, Vic, Beth & Jenny, Headed up the trail. Attractive seedpods catching the morning light. More seedpods and dried flowers. About the only wildflowers seen today. An early glimpse of the mountains to the south from the Bartram Trail. Beth passing through one of the many gauntlets of dried, tall asters. Some interesting plants seen today: L:Smooth Rock Tripe & R: Tree Lungwort Half way there, but if I had a pitchfork in hand it's reminiscent of "American Gothic." Burnt trees from the forest fire in November 2016 are still obvious on our approach to Wayah Bald. Looks like we are there! Surprise! Look who are there to meet us? Dave Hinson and Dick Metzgar Lunch time! A really nice photo of Vic by Dick Metzgar. Photos from the fire tower. Photos by Dick from the wall in front of the tower. A last look at the tower as we leave. Gathering up just prior to returning to the AT/Bartram Trail. A nice photo of some color on the road up Wayah Bald that we really didn't see along the trail Headed back on the AT. A brief stop along the AT on the return hike. The twisted grain of this large tree caught our eye. The exposed roots of this stump were interesting. More seedpods on our way back. Don Pratt caught this picture of a Gulf Fritillary Butterfly on a Filmy Angelica seen toward the end of the hike.