Wayah Bald

Wayah Bald is a high-altitude treeless open area in Nantahala National Forest, near Franklin, North Carolina. The area takes its name from the red wolves that used to lived there; "wa ya" is Cherokee for wolf. [http://www.blueridgeheritage.com/NaturalHeritage/NaturalTreasures/Mountains/wayahbald.html Wayah Bald Visitors Information – Hot Springs, NC ] ] The Wayah Bald Observation Tower is located at the area's highest point (5,385 feet); the stone observation tower was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1937 for fire detection. [ [http://www.sherpaguides.com/north_carolina/mountains/nantahala_mountains/wayah_bald_area.html Sherpa Guides | North Carolina | Mountains | Wayah Bald Area ] ] The Appalachian Trail and Bartram Trail cross at Wayah Bald.

Wayah Bald is a popular destination for hikers, especially during Spring, when the rhododendron and azaleas are in bloom.

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