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| Several publications call Wayah Bald (elev. 5,385 feet) an attraction that shouldn't be missed. I was underwhelmed. The 50-foot stone tower, built by the Civilian Conservation Corps, provides nice views of the Smoky and Unicoi mountains of the Nantahala and Little Tennessee valleys, but it is a small bald. I guess I expected a larger area. | | |
| | We were there in August; in the spring, blooming wildflowers, rhododendron and azaleas are supposed to make a spectacular sight. | |
| There are toilets at the head of a paved path from the parking area to the tower, and there are informational signs on the path. Around the corner from the parking area the road loops a small lawn, which has a picnic table at the far end. | | |
| The Appalachian and Bartram trails cross Wayah Bald. | | ||
| The tower site dates to 1927, when the Forest Service erected a wooden tower. Down the hillside stand the cabins of Wilson Lick Ranger Station, the first ranger station of the Nantahala National Forest, built in 1913. | |
| Wahah Bald is in Macon County west of Franklin.
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From U.S. 64 west watch for the sign at Old Murphy Road (Old U.S. 64) on the right. Take Old Murphy about a mile to Wayah Road (SR 1310) on the left, and then 9 miles later take a right onto Forest Service Road 69, which is a gravel road up the mountain. |
