Wayah Bald Lookout Tower
Wayah Bald Lookout Tower
Wayah Bald Lookout Tower
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
313 reviews
Excellent
245
Very good
53
Average
12
Poor
0
Terrible
3
JAH
Atlanta, GA41 contributions
Feb 2019 • Family
Forest Service Road was closed January 19, 2020! We drove all the way there on Wayah Rd and the forest service gate was closed and locked at the top of the mountain where you turn to drive up Forest Service Road. We decided we didn’t want to hike the 5 miles to the top. We were very disappointed!
Written January 20, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
hlew123
Atlanta, GA233 contributions
Jul 2021
At 5500 feet the views are endless. After a 10 minute drive to the lookout, walk about 5 minutes to the top.
This is one of the highest points in the area. Make sure to plan your trip on a sunny day, as there is often a very heavy cloud cover
This is one of the highest points in the area. Make sure to plan your trip on a sunny day, as there is often a very heavy cloud cover
Written August 13, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
journalmytrips
Georgia699 contributions
Nov 2021
Directions to this site can be confusing even when copying directions and using a GPS. But with perseverance we found our way. The paved road to Wayah Bald has many twists and turns and you wonder when you will find Forest Service Rd.69 when suddenly you see the sign. The road is hard packed but bumpy so take your time for it is a seemingly long 4 1/2 mile drive. At the top, there is a large parking area, picnic tables and toilets.
The walk to the tower is paved and not too steep. I would like to say that we visited on a beautiful day but it was misty though what we did see was worth the effort. The tower is not too high and if you decide against climbing the stairs the view is still good from the lower level.
The walk to the tower is paved and not too steep. I would like to say that we visited on a beautiful day but it was misty though what we did see was worth the effort. The tower is not too high and if you decide against climbing the stairs the view is still good from the lower level.
Written November 6, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lisa W
2 contributions
Jan 2024 • Family
The drive up the mountain was extremely intimidating. If I’m being honest..my family and myself were very anxious at certain points as the road is very narrow so much so if another car attempts to pass we were praying. We even thought about turning around but that was impossible. Needless to say we made it to the top…went to the bathroom… and then enjoyed the breathtaking views. Oddly, going down the mountain was less stressful. Highly recommend.
Written March 20, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jackie B
Hendersonville, TN37 contributions
Dec 2022 • Family
The drive up is a bit rough once you get on the forest service road but it is so worth it. There was only one other person the whole 3 hours we were there. It even snowed ❄️ at the top and it was beautiful. Plan accordingly because there was a 15 degree temp drop from the bottom to the top. It was such a beautiful place!
Written December 21, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NCEmie
Hickory, NC156 contributions
Jul 2020
This was a spur of the moment trip up the mountain. And yes, it is quite a drive up a dirt road to get there. It was a well maintained road and easy to drive. The wildflowers were beautiful all along the route. It was not the ideal weather day, but the view was still breathtaking! I would love to go again on a clear day in the Fall. I imagine how spectacular it could be!
Written July 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CountryTravelerUSA
USA216 contributions
Oct 2022
This has some spectacular views of the mountains of Western North Carolina. On a clear day it is worth seeing. Area is rustic but has restrooms and a camping/picnic area. There is an old fire tower with a bit of history surrounding it. Several hikiing trails as well. The altitude is around 5000 feet. Only draw back is the drive to get there. Once off the highway it is a long drive on gravel to the top.
Written October 8, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KPS34997
Stuart, FL7 contributions
Sep 2021
Trust your map (or GPS)! Despite the sense that you've left civilization, will run out of gas and never be found, you're on the right road. The view from the Bald is worth all of the questions from the back seat. ("Really? You're sure this leads to the Tower? I think we're Lost!") You're rewarded with a magnificent view of the NC Smoky Mountains at the intersection of the Appalachian and Bertram trails. If you're a pilot you have a great view of Macon County Airport 1A5 in the distance. It's all off the usual tourist track, and absolutely worth the time!
Written October 3, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
WB2OBX
Southport, NC8 contributions
Oct 2013 • Solo
Beautiful drive up to the tower. Add driving time into your visit, as it took us a good 15 minutes each way on the rd to the tower. Plan ahead if you do not like to drive in the dark. You will see people parked at the trailhead which is paved and a short walk tower. If you keep driving up to the right there is a turnaround with an ok view if you can not walk to the tower and bathrooms with a larger parking area. Like many have said it is a narrow winding dirt rd up to the parking area so be mindful of drivers coming the other way. We did not have service on the way up so make sure you have written directions or a map in case gps doesn't work. the Ranger Lick station is worth the stop on the way up or down. It has a neat history and pretty scenery.The tower itself has some very interesting history as does the entire Wayah Rd area. There are some informational signs on the walk to the tower. It is best to go on a clear day, but we did not and it was still a beautiful spot. The pictures turned out great. On the drive back down we saw a mama bear and her cubs cross the rd. I recommend this stop if you are in the area.
Written November 7, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
policescanner1
Franklin, NC51 contributions
Aug 2014 • Family
Wayah Bald standing at 5,342 feet in elevation in the Nantahala National Forest use to be a Fire Lookout Tower for the Forest Service for many years. But now it is open except from January - April due to icy roads and possible snow. When planning a trip be sure to allow several hours. The Drive to the top of the mountain is about 8 miles long around a very narrow and extremely winding 2 lane road. Then 5 miles on a gravel and dirt road that is no less winding. So if you get the least bit motion sick be sure to pack something. Also be sure to have plenty of Water and snacks for there is no restaurants or places to find anything until you arrive back in Franklin. Once you arrive at the parking area you have short paved trail up to the tower. The tower has undergone some much needed renovations. The stone tower is 53 foot tall so use caution when climbing the stone stairs if there is any moisture on them it will make them very slick. There are many education markers to give you the history and other information. Sit back and take in the breath taking views. On a clear day you can see Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee. There are restrooms near the walking path to the tower but FYI bring some TP and hand wipes cause they run out fast. Also keep an eye out for Hikers who are hiking the Appalachian and Bartram Trails that cross the bald at the tower. Another thing to keep an eye out for is Wildlife. Beware of bears , snakes ect. it is the wilderness after all. This is an amazing day trip. Don't forget your camera and a light jacket as it may be somewhat cooler at the top and the weather changes at the drop of a hat !
Written August 16, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
greenhopper9381
Shelby, NC14 contributions
Wayah Bald Lookout Tower. Anyone know if this is currently open in Sept 2020?
Terah H
portsmouth, United States19 contributions
Is Wayah Bald Lookout Tower open now? (June 2020)
RMDMarshall
Clarkesville, GA85 contributions
Since it’s in the Nantahala National Park it isn’t yet reopened.
I verified via telephone with the NC National Park Service.
As a general guide the trails are open but rest rooms and scenic facilities are not open.
Why is the incorrect location tagged on google maps??? The actual location is not correctly listed and takes you to some random street near downtown???
ajones0455
Locust Grove, GA130 contributions
I've come across that problem with google maps before. I can only assume the actual coordinates are wrong. Anyhow if you are coming from Franklin or Hayesville there is a sign out on highway 64 that will say Wayah. Or if you have gps it will take you there.
Long hike ?
TexasJo
Dallas, TX16 contributions
No. It is a paved slightly uphill walk from the parking lot. What Tim says about the drive.
Annemarie E
2 contributions
I'm looking for something to do with 3 small kids on a rainy day...
Nancy W
Cincinnati, OH230 contributions
It was fairly rainy on our trip, until we got above the clouds. It is a LONG, hairy drive, but beautiful one you arrive.
Mark D
Osteen, FL64 contributions
I am reading different opinions of the gravel road to the tower. What about on a motorcycle? Is there any deep soft sand? Gravel roads are normally not a problem. Been riding and racing offroad motorcycles for 45+ year.
Thanks Mark
TexasJo
Dallas, TX16 contributions
We saw bikes on every road we were on and we went up a LOT of dirt roads with switchbacks.
kcsdtypist
Comstock Park, MI152 contributions
Are the roads open in mid-March?
Jackie M
4 contributions
No.
We are locals and drove 30 minutes on Sunday to find the road closed, on a beautiful, 60° sunny day.
Very disappointing.
carleaj
Houston, TX55 contributions
I read that it is closed January through March but am seeing reviews from 3 weeks ago. Is it possible to access the lookout in Mid March?
rallwine2000
Port Charlotte, FL48 contributions
Yes, it is open. They are rebuilding the tower, so you might not be able to go up in that. But the trails and road are open.
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Claim your listingWayah Bald Lookout Tower - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)
Frequently Asked Questions about Wayah Bald Lookout Tower
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