On the drive to Wayah Bald, you can stop at the Wilson Lick Ranger Station (about three miles before you reach the summit). Built in 1916, Wilson Lick gives you a glimpse of a bygone era of forestry. Read about the history of forestry and see the historic structures. You can hike from here to the Wayah Bald – a 3-mile hike on the Appalachian Trail.
To reach Wayah Bald Lookout Tower Trail from Franklin, North Carolina, travel west along US 64 (Mountain Waters Byway) for 3.7 miles and turn right at the Wayah Bald directional sign (right on Old Murphy Road/State Road 1442, then a quick left onto State Road 1310/Wayah Road). Go 9 miles, turn right onto unpaved National Forest Road 69, at the top of the ridge at the Appalachian Trail crossing, and go 4.3 miles to the end. Forest Service Road 69 is usually a packed gravel surface. 4-wheel drive is not needed. Closed January-March. It’s 87 miles from Asheville.
(Photos by actual visitors)
