Deep Gap, NC to Wayah Bald, NC
Day 1 - Friday, September 26, 2014
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Start Location: Wayah Bald, NC (119.9 miles) SOBO
End Location: Siler Bald (114.4 miles). Parking Location: Wayah Bald, NC (119.9 miles); Wayah Crest Picnic Area (115.6 miles). Views: Wayah Bald Tower (119.9 miles); Siler Bald (114.4 miles)Siler Bald (114.4 miles)Siler Bald (114.4 miles)Siler Bald (114.4 mile. Water Sources: Footbridge, steam (115.5 miles); Piped Spring (115.2 miles). Campsites: Wayah Bald small campsite (119.9 miles) and Siler Bald (114.4 miles). Siler Bald (114.4 miles)AT Distance: 5.5 miles Hiking Distance: 5.7 miles |
I did this hike with AS. I had met AS on whiteblaze. He had section hiked most of the AT south of Virginia. We were both missing Wayah Bald to Deep Gap, NC so we decided to hike it together. We self-shuttled, which always makes life much easier.
We met at Deep Gap, NC late Friday after work. I didn't get there until about 11 am. We then drove up to Wayah Bald. We probably didn't get started hiking until after midnight. This was my first real experience night hiking. I didn't like it. It was slow going. It took us just over three hours to do 5.7 miles. That is just too damn slow!
I literally don't remember anything of this except it was borderline raining all night and I couldn't see anything. When I hike I like to see where I am going. I don't get the point of hiking if you miss all the views. Although truth be told, when I hike at my normal pace, I don't take much time to look around either. I am usually looking down at my feet.
From memory, I remember leaving Wayah Bald and heading south. This section of AT is shared by the Bartram Trail until it splits from the AT at 117.8 miles. You also cross and hike along USFS Road 69 for long long stretches of this section. The trail continues its descent to Wayah Gap and crosses Wayah Road at (115.7 miles). This section involves a nearly 1,200 foot descent over approximately five miles.
After leaving Wayah Gap, we began to climb up to Siler Bald (114.4 miles). I had heard that the trail was a little tricky up there. Being there at 3:00 am didn't make it any easier. We found a campsite on the ascent to the side trail to the summit of Siler Bald. As we began to set up camp, it started to lightly rain and continued through much of the night. It was about 3:30 am when I finally got everything set up and into my sleeping bag. As there were no cables to hang a bear bag, I slept with my food in my tent for the first time--something I thought I would never do. I have done so since a few times, but I don't at all like it. I really need to learn to hang a bear bag properly.
One thing I did notice even at night is that the trail up to the summit of Siler Bald was very overgrown. AS said they may be allowing nature to reclaim the summit. If he is right, I hope I get to see the summit before it does happen because I have heard Siler Bald offers amazing 360 degree views.
Since I did this section as a night hike, and since the next morning had an awful cloud cover that dissipated thought the day, there are no pictures from Wayah Bald to Siler Bald from this day. The handful of pictures of Wayah Bald above are from other hikes.
We met at Deep Gap, NC late Friday after work. I didn't get there until about 11 am. We then drove up to Wayah Bald. We probably didn't get started hiking until after midnight. This was my first real experience night hiking. I didn't like it. It was slow going. It took us just over three hours to do 5.7 miles. That is just too damn slow!
I literally don't remember anything of this except it was borderline raining all night and I couldn't see anything. When I hike I like to see where I am going. I don't get the point of hiking if you miss all the views. Although truth be told, when I hike at my normal pace, I don't take much time to look around either. I am usually looking down at my feet.
From memory, I remember leaving Wayah Bald and heading south. This section of AT is shared by the Bartram Trail until it splits from the AT at 117.8 miles. You also cross and hike along USFS Road 69 for long long stretches of this section. The trail continues its descent to Wayah Gap and crosses Wayah Road at (115.7 miles). This section involves a nearly 1,200 foot descent over approximately five miles.
After leaving Wayah Gap, we began to climb up to Siler Bald (114.4 miles). I had heard that the trail was a little tricky up there. Being there at 3:00 am didn't make it any easier. We found a campsite on the ascent to the side trail to the summit of Siler Bald. As we began to set up camp, it started to lightly rain and continued through much of the night. It was about 3:30 am when I finally got everything set up and into my sleeping bag. As there were no cables to hang a bear bag, I slept with my food in my tent for the first time--something I thought I would never do. I have done so since a few times, but I don't at all like it. I really need to learn to hang a bear bag properly.
One thing I did notice even at night is that the trail up to the summit of Siler Bald was very overgrown. AS said they may be allowing nature to reclaim the summit. If he is right, I hope I get to see the summit before it does happen because I have heard Siler Bald offers amazing 360 degree views.
Since I did this section as a night hike, and since the next morning had an awful cloud cover that dissipated thought the day, there are no pictures from Wayah Bald to Siler Bald from this day. The handful of pictures of Wayah Bald above are from other hikes.
Day 2 - Saturday September 27, 2014
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Start Location: Siler Bald (114.4 miles)Siler Bald (114.4 miles) SOBO
End Location: Betty Creek Gap (97.6 miles). Parking Location: Winding Stair Gap, US 64 (109.8 miles); Rock Gap (106.1 miles); and USFS Road 67 (100.3 miles). Views: Siler Bald (114.4 miles)Siler Bald (114.4 miles)Siler Bald (114.4 miles)Siler Bald (114.4 mile; Albert Mountain fire tower (100.1 miles). Water Sources: Siler Bald Shelter (114.0 miles); Stream campsite (110.1 miles); Waterfall (110.0 miles); Winding Stairs Gap, US 64 (109.8 miles); Rock Gap Shelter (106.0 miles) dry when I was there; Long Branch Shelter (102.5 miles); and Betty Creek Gap (97.6 miles) (97.6 miles). Campsites: Siler Bald (114.4 miles); Siler Bald Shelter (114.0 miles); Stream campsite (110.1 miles)Siler Bald (114.4 miles); Rock Gap Shelter (106.0 miles) dry when I was there; Long Branch Shelter (102.5 miles); and Betty Creek Gap (97.6 miles). (97.6 miles). AT Distance: 16.8 miles Hiking Distance: 18.2 miles |
Since we didn't make camp until after 3:00 am, we slept in to about 9 am. We didn't break camp until just after 10:00 am. It had rained and the wind howled all night. Everything was wet. There was a thick fog on Siler Bald. I didn't even bother going up to the summit. I have no pictures of Siler as a result. I need to go back and do this section again, but this time in better weather.
We left Siler Bald and started down the mountain. Less then half a mile into the hike, we saw another side trail to Siler Bald Shelter. I didn't go to this shelter, so I don't have a picture. It was during this hike that I started playing with the idea of documenting my trips on the AT. As we continued to descend, the clouds started to thin and the first rays of sun broke through.
We continued to descend down to Panther Gap (111.8 miles). Here, there was a very brief uphill and then we continued our descent until we reached Swinging Lick Gap (110.9 miles). Again here, there was a slight incline before we continued our descent. We passed a logging road (110.4 miles) and a campsite near a stream (110.1 miles). We were making great time. It was mostly downhill up to this point, and it will continue to be so until we reached Winding Stair Gap, US 64 (109.8 miles). Before we got to WSG, however, we crossed a footbridge which was right next to a waterfall. I heard a low buzzing sound that I couldn't figure out what it was. As I crossed the bridge, I see a fairly large hornets nest hanging from a tree near the waterfall. I snap a few pictures and decide to resupply water elsewhere.
Finally, we arrive at WSG. From the top of Siler Bald, we had descended approximately 1,300 feet in 4.6 miles. This section was fairly easy and we made good time down. We decided to push on to Rock Gap Shelter for lunch. I wanted to have lunch. Every hike to this point I never ate lunch. I wanted to see if stopping to have lunch would help my late in day crash and help me get over that 15-17 mpd hurdle I seem to have.
We began the 700 + foot climb out of Winding Stair Gap and then our nearly equal descent to Wallace Gap (106.7 miles). We were less than a mile away from Roch Gap Shelter, and I could use some water. We reach Rock Gap Shelter (106.0 miles), and I immediately put my pack down and go look for water. On this day, Rock Gap Shelter was dry. I had learned from my Labor Day Hike to always carry enough water to at least cook a meal so I had almost a liter of water on me. I took my off my boots to let me feet/shoes/socks dry and relax while I got my pocket rocket out and started to boil water for my mashed potatoes. This was my first experience freezer bag cooking with Idahoan mashed potatoes. I loved it. It is now my go-to hiking food. After about a 40 minute lunch, we finish packing and we start to make the long, 1,600 foot climb up to Albert Mountain (100.1 miles).
After an hour and a half of climbing, we reach the half way point--Glassmine Gap (103.3 miles). Shortly thereafter, we arrived at side trail to Long Branch Shelter. AS went on ahead while I went to Long Branch Shelter. I could use some water so I got some water at shelter. I also wanted to go to shelter because I heard it was a really nice shelter, and it is. It was the best shelter to date. One day, I will have to spend the night there. As I was filtering the water, I pulled out my AT guide and saw that our planned campsite had water. We had heard from other hikers conflicting stories about whether Betty Creek Gap had water. While I trusted the one who found the water and just chalked the other account of no water as to that person's inability to find, I decided to bring all the water I needed for the night just in case. I never want to get stuck with little to no water again. It is only weight. It doesn't bother me at all. So I got my fill of water, and decided to take off, but before I did I took some pictures of the Shelter because it was just so nice. I got the idea to make a website and make a photographic journal of my hike while during this hike.
I was still kind of new to hiking and the idea/ability to preview a hike before I actually hiked it sounded like something I would be interested in doing. That way, I can have the pictures of my hike and possibly helps others/myself in the future who may wish to preview their hike before they do it.
After leaving Long Branch Shelter, I began the 2.4 mile, nearly 800 foot constant climb up to Albert Mountain (100.1 miles). Albert Mountain is a huge accomplishment for thru hikers because it officially marks the first 100 miles of the AT. The climb SOBO down Albert Mountain is a little difficult just because it is sort of steep in sections, but it wasn't as bad as people had told me. I am still looking for that climb that puts me on my ass. I keep hearing about "difficult" sections and, once I reach the top, I always say that wasn't that bad. Now don't get me wrong, I have had sections that make me tired, sweat cats and dogs, breathing hard, and slows me down, but I want that climb that literally kicks my ass. That climb that not only makes my heart rate sky rocket and makes my pace slow, but that makes me stop in my tracks. I want a climb that forces me to stop. I haven't found it yet since I started packing.
Albert Mountain has a fire tower and offers some stunning views. It turned out to be a beautiful day by the time we reached here. I made my way up the fire tower and just took it all in. I convinced AS to take some time here. I really wanted to enjoy Albert Mountain. I wanted to take pictures. I wanted to burn the landscape into my memory. It was truly a mountain summit that I will remember for the rest of my life. It is where I knew for a certain that I will be hiking the rest of my life. That I couldn't stop hiking if I tried. I love that mountain.
After a long break and a quick snack, I reluctantly started to make my way down Albert Mountain. We had only 2.4 miles until we reached Betty Creek Gap, and it was all down hill from here. We got to Betty Creek Gap with just over an hour of sunlight to spare. We considered going to Cater Gap Shelter, but decided that was enough for one day. We found the water source and rehydrated. Some other section hikers heading to Fontana Dam had started a fire, and we shared the fire and stories as we ate. Once the fire started to die down about an hour later, we decided to call it a night. We wanted to wake up early to make it to Deep Gap, NC around 1:00 pm, which was 12.2 miles away.
We left Siler Bald and started down the mountain. Less then half a mile into the hike, we saw another side trail to Siler Bald Shelter. I didn't go to this shelter, so I don't have a picture. It was during this hike that I started playing with the idea of documenting my trips on the AT. As we continued to descend, the clouds started to thin and the first rays of sun broke through.
We continued to descend down to Panther Gap (111.8 miles). Here, there was a very brief uphill and then we continued our descent until we reached Swinging Lick Gap (110.9 miles). Again here, there was a slight incline before we continued our descent. We passed a logging road (110.4 miles) and a campsite near a stream (110.1 miles). We were making great time. It was mostly downhill up to this point, and it will continue to be so until we reached Winding Stair Gap, US 64 (109.8 miles). Before we got to WSG, however, we crossed a footbridge which was right next to a waterfall. I heard a low buzzing sound that I couldn't figure out what it was. As I crossed the bridge, I see a fairly large hornets nest hanging from a tree near the waterfall. I snap a few pictures and decide to resupply water elsewhere.
Finally, we arrive at WSG. From the top of Siler Bald, we had descended approximately 1,300 feet in 4.6 miles. This section was fairly easy and we made good time down. We decided to push on to Rock Gap Shelter for lunch. I wanted to have lunch. Every hike to this point I never ate lunch. I wanted to see if stopping to have lunch would help my late in day crash and help me get over that 15-17 mpd hurdle I seem to have.
We began the 700 + foot climb out of Winding Stair Gap and then our nearly equal descent to Wallace Gap (106.7 miles). We were less than a mile away from Roch Gap Shelter, and I could use some water. We reach Rock Gap Shelter (106.0 miles), and I immediately put my pack down and go look for water. On this day, Rock Gap Shelter was dry. I had learned from my Labor Day Hike to always carry enough water to at least cook a meal so I had almost a liter of water on me. I took my off my boots to let me feet/shoes/socks dry and relax while I got my pocket rocket out and started to boil water for my mashed potatoes. This was my first experience freezer bag cooking with Idahoan mashed potatoes. I loved it. It is now my go-to hiking food. After about a 40 minute lunch, we finish packing and we start to make the long, 1,600 foot climb up to Albert Mountain (100.1 miles).
After an hour and a half of climbing, we reach the half way point--Glassmine Gap (103.3 miles). Shortly thereafter, we arrived at side trail to Long Branch Shelter. AS went on ahead while I went to Long Branch Shelter. I could use some water so I got some water at shelter. I also wanted to go to shelter because I heard it was a really nice shelter, and it is. It was the best shelter to date. One day, I will have to spend the night there. As I was filtering the water, I pulled out my AT guide and saw that our planned campsite had water. We had heard from other hikers conflicting stories about whether Betty Creek Gap had water. While I trusted the one who found the water and just chalked the other account of no water as to that person's inability to find, I decided to bring all the water I needed for the night just in case. I never want to get stuck with little to no water again. It is only weight. It doesn't bother me at all. So I got my fill of water, and decided to take off, but before I did I took some pictures of the Shelter because it was just so nice. I got the idea to make a website and make a photographic journal of my hike while during this hike.
I was still kind of new to hiking and the idea/ability to preview a hike before I actually hiked it sounded like something I would be interested in doing. That way, I can have the pictures of my hike and possibly helps others/myself in the future who may wish to preview their hike before they do it.
After leaving Long Branch Shelter, I began the 2.4 mile, nearly 800 foot constant climb up to Albert Mountain (100.1 miles). Albert Mountain is a huge accomplishment for thru hikers because it officially marks the first 100 miles of the AT. The climb SOBO down Albert Mountain is a little difficult just because it is sort of steep in sections, but it wasn't as bad as people had told me. I am still looking for that climb that puts me on my ass. I keep hearing about "difficult" sections and, once I reach the top, I always say that wasn't that bad. Now don't get me wrong, I have had sections that make me tired, sweat cats and dogs, breathing hard, and slows me down, but I want that climb that literally kicks my ass. That climb that not only makes my heart rate sky rocket and makes my pace slow, but that makes me stop in my tracks. I want a climb that forces me to stop. I haven't found it yet since I started packing.
Albert Mountain has a fire tower and offers some stunning views. It turned out to be a beautiful day by the time we reached here. I made my way up the fire tower and just took it all in. I convinced AS to take some time here. I really wanted to enjoy Albert Mountain. I wanted to take pictures. I wanted to burn the landscape into my memory. It was truly a mountain summit that I will remember for the rest of my life. It is where I knew for a certain that I will be hiking the rest of my life. That I couldn't stop hiking if I tried. I love that mountain.
After a long break and a quick snack, I reluctantly started to make my way down Albert Mountain. We had only 2.4 miles until we reached Betty Creek Gap, and it was all down hill from here. We got to Betty Creek Gap with just over an hour of sunlight to spare. We considered going to Cater Gap Shelter, but decided that was enough for one day. We found the water source and rehydrated. Some other section hikers heading to Fontana Dam had started a fire, and we shared the fire and stories as we ate. Once the fire started to die down about an hour later, we decided to call it a night. We wanted to wake up early to make it to Deep Gap, NC around 1:00 pm, which was 12.2 miles away.
Day 3 - Sunday, September 28, 2014
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Start Location: Siler Bald (114.4 miles)Betty Creek Gap (97.6 miles) SOBO
End Location: Deep Gap, NC (85.4 miles). Parking Location: No parking except for Deep Gap, NC (85.4 miles). Water Sources: Betty Creek Gap (97.6 miles)Betty Creek Gap (97.6 miles); Stream (94.4 miles); Carter Gap Shelter (93.9 miles); Beech Gap Campsite (90.7 miles); Standing Indian Shelter (86.3 miles); and campsite (85.8 miles). Campsites: Betty Creek Gap (97.6 miles)Betty Creek Gap (97.6 miles); Carter Gap Shelter (93.9 miles); Beech Gap Campsite (90.7 miles); Standing Indian Shelter (86.3 miles); and campsite (85.8 miles). AT Distance: 12.2 miles Hiking Distance: 12.5 miles |
I woke up to less than perfect weather. We decided to sleep in until 7:15 am. We broke camp around 8:30 am after breakfast. It was overcast, but at least it wasn't raining. From Betty Creek Gap, there is a 2.6 mile climb of approximately 600 feet. After this climb, the trail descends to Carter Gap Shelter (93.9 miles). We did not stop by the shelter. Instead, we pushed on to Coleman Gap (92.4 miles) where we ate a snack.
From Coleman Gap we began a gradual but constant 4.6 mile, 1,300 foot climb up to Standing Indian Mountain (87.9 miles). At Standing Indian Mountain, we took a longer break right on the trail. After a clif bar and some water, I made it up to the summit, but there was absolutely no view. A shame. I missed Siler Bald and now I missed Standing Indian Mountain. Standing Indian Mountain was the tallest mountain I climbed to date on the AT with an elevation of 5,498 feet.
Once I saw there was no view, I made my way down to the trail, picked up my pack, and started heading down to Deep Gap. The trail to Deep Gap had several switch backs and was a constant descent of approximately 1,200 feet. We arrived at Deep Gap, NC around 1:00 pm after having done 12.5 miles in less than 5 hours.
It was still one of my favorite hikes despite the fact that the weather did not cooperate. In retrospect, I am actually happy the weather didn't and I lost some of the pictures I took. It gives me a great excuse to do the section again!
From Coleman Gap we began a gradual but constant 4.6 mile, 1,300 foot climb up to Standing Indian Mountain (87.9 miles). At Standing Indian Mountain, we took a longer break right on the trail. After a clif bar and some water, I made it up to the summit, but there was absolutely no view. A shame. I missed Siler Bald and now I missed Standing Indian Mountain. Standing Indian Mountain was the tallest mountain I climbed to date on the AT with an elevation of 5,498 feet.
Once I saw there was no view, I made my way down to the trail, picked up my pack, and started heading down to Deep Gap. The trail to Deep Gap had several switch backs and was a constant descent of approximately 1,200 feet. We arrived at Deep Gap, NC around 1:00 pm after having done 12.5 miles in less than 5 hours.
It was still one of my favorite hikes despite the fact that the weather did not cooperate. In retrospect, I am actually happy the weather didn't and I lost some of the pictures I took. It gives me a great excuse to do the section again!