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Map showing campground location near Nantahala National Forest, North Carolina
Camper submitted image from Wayah Bald ShelterView 12 Photos
CampingMap showing campground location near Nantahala National Forest, North Carolina

Wayah Bald Shelter

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SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

Reached via the Appalachian Trail from Winding Stair Gap, Wayah Bald Shelter sits above 5,300 feet in Nantahala National Forest, roughly 11 miles of hiking from the trailhead. No pets are permitted. Flat tent sites cluster near the shelter, water access requires a moderate, short downhill walk, and a privy is close by. The shelter sits past the Wayah Bald observation tower, beyond the Bartram Trail junction, where the open bald breaks the tree canopy. Wayah Bald Campground, 0.4 miles southeast near the tower, has a reliable water source along the Bartram Trail section and serves as a useful backup if the shelter is full. Cell service is not reliable at this elevation, so download maps before leaving the trailhead.

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Map & DirectionsWayah Bald Shelter is located in North Carolina near Nantahala National Forest

Detail location of campground
Public Campground

Coordinates

35.18945 N
83.5644 W

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Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

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Reviews3 Camper Reviews - Wayah Bald Shelter

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5.0

out of 5

3 Reviews

Multiple campers commented on the shelter's scenic mountaintop location with flat camping sites and convenient water access. The facility offers good weather protection with nearby amenities including privy and alternative camping options at the tower area.

SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile
Reviewed May. 3, 2018

Camp near Wayah Bald Shelter

After an 11 mike hike on the AT from Winding Stair Gap trailhead, we arrived at Wayah Bald Shelter and camping. Moderate, short downhill to water source and privy is close to shelter. There are plenty of flat camping sites near the shelter.

Month of VisitApril
  • Review photo of Wayah Bald Shelter by Morgan W., May 3, 2018
  • Review photo of Wayah Bald Shelter by Morgan W., May 3, 2018
  • View with ice falling on trail after continuing on from Wayah Bald
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  • (4) View All
Reviewed Oct. 1, 2017

Little ways from Wayah Tower

So this is a very nice shelter that is along the AT but is actually a little bit of a ways along the trail after you pass the wayah bald tower. There is also a nice campground right near the tower at the split of the Bartram and AT but this shelter provides you a little more protection. This can be especially important since this area is prone to getting bad weather. I would suggest filling up with water if you can at the Wayah Bald Campground since there is a nice water source there right along the Bartram trail section. Additionally, if this shelter is filled up its worth it to head back and camp at the other site.

  • Review photo of Wayah Bald Shelter by Asher K., October 1, 2017
  • Review photo of Wayah Bald Shelter by Asher K., October 1, 2017
  • Review photo of Wayah Bald Shelter by Asher K., October 1, 2017
  • (7) View All
Reviewed Aug. 12, 2016

Wayah Bald Shelter on the Appalachian Trail

After a long (and I do mean long) climb Wayah Bald finally appeared. There is a wonderful tower atop a tall mountain. At over 5300 feet we were able to see everything. The forest service put in plaques to tell us what we saw. The blue ridge mountains shown blue on this day with clear skies. Many day hikers came up during the extended break. Having a shelter on the bald is a nice way to have a downhill start to tomorrow's hiking. I don't know what created these balds but the break in the trees provide a beautiful scene.

  • Review photo of Wayah Bald Shelter by Art S., August 12, 2016
  • Review photo of Wayah Bald Shelter by Art S., August 12, 2016
Showing results 1-3 of 3 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I access Wayah Bald lookout tower from the campground?

The Wayah Bald lookout tower is easily accessible from the shelter area. If you're staying at Wayah Bald Shelter, you'll need to hike a short distance along the Appalachian Trail back toward the tower, as the shelter is located a bit further along the trail past the tower. For those camping at the campground near the tower (at the split of the Bartram Trail and AT), the lookout tower is immediately accessible. The tower sits at over 5,300 feet elevation and offers panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains with informational plaques identifying visible landmarks.

Is there camping available at Wayah Bald shelter?

Yes, camping is available at Wayah Bald Shelter. The shelter is located along the Appalachian Trail (AT) a short distance past the Wayah Bald Tower. There are plenty of flat camping sites near the shelter, making it suitable for tent camping. The area also features a privy nearby and a water source that's accessible via a moderate, short downhill walk from the shelter. Additionally, there's a campground right near the tower at the split of the Bartram Trail and AT if you prefer camping closer to the lookout.

What hiking trails connect Wayah Gap to Morgan Bald?

The primary trail connecting Wayah Gap to Morgan Bald is the Appalachian Trail (AT). Hikers can follow the AT from Winding Stair Gap through Wayah Gap and continue toward Morgan Bald. This section is part of a longer hiking route in the area. The trail offers moderate terrain with elevation changes as you make your way through the Nantahala National Forest. For those planning this hike, be prepared for a substantial journey - the section from Winding Stair Gap to Wayah Bald alone is approximately 11 miles. Contact the Nantahala National Forest office for the most current trail conditions and specific distances.

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