When the temperatures dip below freezing and enough water freezes up on Winding Stair Gap, the straight vertical cliffs of the cut through on US 64 become an ice climber’s paradise. I think it was exactly 11 miles. Siler Bald via Winding Stair Gap. They had a big rain storm the night before and some of their gear got wet. There was a family providing some “trail magic” in the form of a hot cooked breakfast in the parking lot when we arrived. The highway at Winding Stair Gap was busy enough that we had to watch carefully and move quickly before crossing the road to resume hiking northbound. Hello Kitty Gap! Reply. 64, in Macon County, North Carolina. The Talimena National Scenic Byway crosses the mountains from Talihina, Oklahoma to Mena, Arkansas.It was designated in 2005 as a National Scenic Byway.The byway, which travels through the Ouachita National Forest, is often described as one of the prettiest drives in the country, situated along some of the highest peaks in the Winding Stair Mountains. Siler Bald sits high on the crest of the Nantahala Mountains just west of Franklin, North Carolina and is easily driveable from Atlanta, Asheville, Knoxville, Greenville, and more. County. Macon County, North Carolina. A smaller parking area for about six cars is available where the AT crosses the road and heads back into the woods. We were dropped off at Winding Stair Gap by Zen, the Gooder Grove Hostel owner, after making eggo waffles and turkey bacon with him. Today was a perfect day for climbing and some folks came out to enjoy the icy conditions. My knee started giving me trouble a little before we reached the Wayah Bald fire tower, so we took an abnormally long break there (of course I didn't tell the Ks I was having knee pain because they would've been worried - I just told them my old bones were creaking and I needed to rest). March 27, 2017 ~ tryharder07. Description for from winding stair gap. Winding staircases are elegant and sweeping, but they do change the rules when it comes to measuring for carpet runners. Sure you’re standing in the same spot, in the same scenic overlook, but you’ll never experience the same view. E2). Within the first 3 miles or so we hit Albert Mountain, a steep climb up with a fire tower that marks the first 100 miles, offering open views of mountains and some farms. USA ⭔ Southeastern United States Area; This page contains all mineral locality references listed on mindat.org. 3615 ft. (1102 m.) Topographic Map. I was WRONG on all levels. A magical, if a little messy, start to our traverse from Deep Gap to Winding Stair (then eventually the NOC). The starting elevation was 3,690 feet, and we finished at 4,712 feet. Rocky Bald via Tellico Gap. At 2.1 miles the trail passes 4383 foot Panther Gap. Yeah, there are still some big cats in the east…despite what anybody’s DNR might tell ya. Winding Stair Gap granulites: The thermal peak of Paleozoic metamorphism: in Geological Society of America Centennial Field Guide: Southeastern Section, p. 257-260. “Welcome back” I heard the woods whisper as I slipped past the first white blaze. Other Regions, Features and Areas containing this locality. The road gets fairly steep as it approaches Winding Stair Gap. Our longest day since leaving Franklin was 13 miles. The trail made an easy climb up a ridge, again through a burn area. Similar Hikes. Apr 3, 2018 - 14 May 2017 Winding Stair Gap to Cold Spring Shelter Miles AT – 125.3 Day – 15.8 Time – 9.5hr with 1hr break at Wayah Bald Speed – 1.66mph Tough tough day. At 2.6 miles the trail travels near 4339 foot Big Stamp. Unfortunately, our shuttle driver was not so ready. Mike however got more wet than Chris did. 8.7 mi 12.3. The WINDING STAIR GAP roadcut is exposed on U.S. Hwy. 8 thoughts on “ AT – NC Wayah Bald to Winding Stair Gap ” Anonymous says: July 27, 2017 at 3:55 pm. I glanced back at Momma Puma a couple of times. Top of Silver Bald, short hike off the trail We’ve passed a few South Bound hikers on the trail. Springer Mountain. At 3.7 miles reach the blue blazed loop trail that leads 0.5 miles to Siler Bald Shelter. Low point or opening between hills or mountains or in a ridge or mountain range. Andrews Bald. It was still a couple miles away. Comments for from winding stair gap (0) Information. Reviews / Comments. 9.2 mi 12.8. I’ve been there many times and it’s rare I’m the only one in the parking lot. N/A. 3.9 mi 6.3. mrbream says: July 27, 2017 at 4:45 pm. Chris and Mike made it to Winding Stair Gap yesterday and hitched into Franklin, NC (Yep one state down) to buy some supplies, get a shower, eat some non camp food, and sleep in beds. The peak elevation for this section was 5,342 with lots of ups and downs along the way. There's not many places in the area where you can enjoy nearly four miles of uninterrupted descending. BoobOnARock says: July 27, 2017 at 4:35 pm. It was yet another beautiful day. 2.8 mi 4.9. Jun 3, 2015 - It’ll never be the same again. Winding Stair Gap Road is a fun descent, for a forest road. 4) Winding Stair Gap -- This is where the AT crosses US64 at the top of the big hill coming out of Franklin (9.8 miles from overpass) just past large rock cut. Panther Top Lookout Tower. Roughly 16 miles into this segment, you'll reach the 5,500' summit of Standing Indian Mountain, the highest point along the Nantahala River, and the highest point on the Appalachian Trail thus far. Sam's Knob. 4.8 mi 6.1. Parking at Winding Stair Gap is limited so try and get there early. Winding Stair Gap Gap. Average Review Rating. The day started off cool and beautiful. Winding Stair Gap is a gap in Georgia and has an elevation of 3186 feet. Winding Stair Gap is a physical feature (gap) in Macon County. You can go as fast as your courage allows! Related terms: col, notch, pass, saddle, water gap, wind gap Land. hahaha. 2.3 mi 4. 3.7 mi 9.1. We were packed up and ready for the return shuttle to Winding Stair Gap before 9:00. Description. Great way to start off a trail day! Overview: Map: Photo Map: Satellite: Directions: Overview: Map: Photo Map: Satellite: Directions: Overview: Map: Photo Map: Satellite: Directions: Notable Places in the Area . Day 2 - We left Wayah Bald and made our way to Wesser Bald Shelter (MM 120.8 to 131.4). Wayah Bald via Burningtown Gap. OK, very jealous here. My pops dropped me off for the final time at Rock Gap near Franklin, NC. I felt… How To Measure Winding Stairs for Carpet Runners. 6.3 mi 9.7. Rocky Bald via Burningtown Gap. Lithologic units are composed of metasedimentary and metaigneous rocks, some of which are now migmatites. Winding Stair Gap to Wayah Shelter - Strenuous 11 miles in 7 hours After a good night’s sleep at Sapphire Inn, we were ready to go again. … Chris said that his vestibule got wet but that his sleeping bag and pad stayed dry. I was pretty tired and my Legs were sore, so it was a slow day with a little snow and cold winds. US Topo Map. Black Balsam Knob Loop. Day 1, we hiked from Winding Stair Gap to Wayah Bald shelter. After three nights in Franklin I was getting restless and I was ready to get back out on the trail. Got the shuttle to Winding Stair gap driven by a guy named Ron Haven, who owns Baltimore Jacks, a local hostel, and who apparently once owned the Sapphire Inn. Reply. It also has a separate parking spot and sidewalk for easy loading. This section of the AT begins at Winding Stair Gap where the trail leaves US 64. Our largest, this suite is on the terrace level with a private entrance and French doors to your own patio space. Latitude, Longitude: 35.1217593°, -83.5443267° Elevation . I thought after my 5 day break with a trip to Missouri and Nebraska I’d be rejuvenated. Day 1 - We started out at Winding Stair Gap and ended at Wayah Bald Shelter (MM 109.8 to 120.8). Seriously, once you leave Blue Ridge Road FS-42, you probably don't have to pedal for the next three miles. On weekends and holidays it’s not uncommon to see license plates from our neighboring states, South Carolina, Georgia and Tennessee. Winding Stair Gap, Macon County, North Carolina. The section from Burningtown Gap to Winding Stair Gap that traverses Siler Bald is one of those especially scenic bits and pieces. It is NOT a good place to leave a vehicle overnight! The outcrop is approximately 10.5 miles south of the U.S. 64 and U.S.441 intersection near Franklin (fig. Summit. A large parking area for about twenty cars is located where the AT first meets US 64. Darwin and I took our time packing up camp and eating breakfast then headed out towards Winding Stair Gap. On the ridge I met once again Ian and Foxy. Sam's Knob Loop. Hike to sunny 360° views from the summit of Siler Bald along the Appalachian Trail in the Nantahala National Forest. This was her first long distance backpack and she was visibly excited! Winding Stair Gap and US 64. The trail passes by a campsite at 0.9 miles and reaches 4100 foot Swinging Lick Gap at 1.2 miles. The primary coordinates for Winding Stair Gap places it within the NC 28734 ZIP Code delivery area.. Maps, Driving Directions & Local Area Information From Rock Gap Shelter, it was only 3.8 miles to reach Winding Stair Gap, a spot that most hikers use to exit the trail and go into Franklin, N.C. This is a well traveled gravel forest service road heading north to Winding Stair Gap. We’ve definitely been taking it slower compared to our first week. Hiking the AT – Winding Stair Gap Waterfall / Wayah Bald. Winder staircases gradually change angle as they move towards the next floor, and three or four steps may be of an irregular shape to accommodate this change in angle. Love it! We walked over to McDonald’s for breakfast and got extra to eat later on the trail. I mean, seriously! Just hiking to this landmark provides a shorter 1-2 day hike from Dicks Creek Gap Road, with a large shelter 4.5 miles out from the trailhead. The GPS coordinates are N35 07.184 W83 32.886 for those who have a GPS devise in their vehicle. 3.4 mi 5.5. Winding Stair Gap to Wayah Bald Shelter ( What the hell was I thinking?) Winding Stair Gap is a popular place for locals, day hikers and section hikers. Winding Stair Gap Suite. North America Plate Tectonic Plate. GPS Coordinates. He was quite a character, who claimed to be a former pro wrestler – he visited Martinez, Stockton, and LA in California during his pro career. Winding Stair Gap is situated southeast of Three Forks, close to Deerlick Gap. Today was the first time I had seen Dutchmen's Breeches. It is an easy place to access the Trail, with parking lot, etc. Begin with a waterfall and end with stunning views on this 8.7 mile section of the AT in North Carolina. There has been vandalism to cars left here overnight. It seemed that even since yesterday there were more wildflowers in bloom. Occasionally you’ll find a car from more distant states, like Ohio, Maryland and Florida. I got everything back into my pack, grabbed a quick breakfast in the lobby, and sat and waited for the shuttle to arrive to take me back to Winding Stair Gab. Once we got on the trail it started climbing out of the gap right away, but the ascent was not steep. Granulite-facies rocks in the thermal axis of Paleozoic (Taconic) metamorphism are exposed in southwestern North Carolina in a 370-m-long road-cut at Winding Stair Gap. From the top of the ridge I could see U.S. Highway 64, which is where I was headed. Sunset views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and a view of our spring fed Big Spring Pond with small waterfall. And that’s what makes Winding S… Parking can be found at the top of the Winding Stair Gap next to the Appalachian Trail, or to the north of the outcrop at a scenic overlook (Absher and McSween Jr., 1986). Siler Bald via Winding Stair Gap. As I said, we had started out at Winding Stair Gap, and our destination for the day was 11 miles north along the AT, at Wayah Shelter. 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