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Jun 17, 2020 — This hike combines the trails for Siler Bald and Wine Spring Bald, starting from the Wayah Crest Trailhead. I started up Siler Bald first, and I'm happy I did since I had a few minutes of clear-ish skies enough to get some views before the fog rolled in. The trail is easy to follow and has a steep section through a pretty meadow toward the summit.
On my way back to start up to Wine Spring Bald, I noticed the Appalachian Trail bypasses the Wayah Crest Trailhead where my car was (see map), and crosses over Wayah Road before starting the ascent to Wine Spring Bald. The ascent up to Wine Spring Bald is pretty, but not particularly memorable, and it parallels a good dirt road most of the time. You can also drive to Wine Spring Bald, which is what a few people were doing as I dumbly walked up the trail. The AT merges with the Bartram Trail for a short time before a side trail veers to the right and leads to Wine Spring Bald. I'd recommend continuing along the Appalachian Trail from here to Wayah Bald (which apparently has some lovely views), but I didn't think it would be worth it since I had only fog up there. I'll have to return sometime. Anyway, the side trail leaves the AT, follows a service road for a short time and reached the summit, which just has towers and no view.
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