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Wayah Bald Lookout Tower

251 Reviews

#1 of 29 things to do in Franklin

Sights & Landmarks, Lookouts

Nantahala National Forest, Franklin, NC

Review Highlights

“Go one time”

You really should go see the view from that vantage point at least one time. Nothing to do there... read more

Reviewed 2 days ago

dkpruitt

Franklin, North Carolina

via mobile

“Great view for a Picnic”

Lovely respite stop for a picnic and refreshing. We met many thru hikers and stretched our legs on... read more

Reviewed 2 weeks ago

The_Hailes

Tampa, Florida

Read all 251 reviews

121

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Certificate of Excellence

Traveler Overview

4.5 251 reviews

Excellent80%
Very good16%
Average3%
Poor0%
Terrible1%

Travelers talk about

“gravel road”(34 reviews)

“appalachian trail”(33 reviews)

“parking area”(18 reviews)

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Nantahala National Forest, Franklin, NC

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1 - 10 of 251 reviews

dkpruitt

Franklin, North Carolina

4913

Reviewed 2 days ago via mobile

Go one time

You really should go see the view from that vantage point at least one time. Nothing to do there but quite a view.

Date of experience: September 2018

Thank dkpruitt

The_Hailes

Tampa, Florida

593162

Reviewed 2 weeks ago

Great view for a Picnic

Lovely respite stop for a picnic and refreshing. We met many thru hikers and stretched our legs on the nearby trail.

Date of experience: May 2018

Thank The_Hailes

SharaPost151

Franklin, North Carolina

2910

Reviewed 2 weeks ago

Beautiful place to visit on a clear day

This is a gorgeous place to visit on a clear day. I believe you can see three states from the tower. I believe it is NC, TN and GA. The tower has changed since the fires that burned the structure but it is still beautiful....More

Date of experience: September 2018

Thank SharaPost151

BobF1947

Tampa, Florida

2929

Reviewed November 5, 2018

An exceptional climax to beautiful winding trip through the woods

Yes, the road is long and curvy, but the trip and destination (elevation 5345) are worth every minute. The 360 degree view from atop this recently restored stone fire tower is awesome. The view from Wayah (wolf) Bald is perfect for sunrises, sunsets, and Smoky...More

Date of experience: August 2018

Thank BobF1947

Captain_Dann

Cleveland, Georgia

9432

Reviewed November 2, 2018

Storm the Castle at Wayah Bald!

Only a short walk from the parking area to the Old Stone Lookout Tower is well worth the winding drive to get here. The best of CCC Architecture and views with 360 degrees of mountain range and placards telling you exactly what you're looking at...More

Date of experience: October 2018

Thank Captain_Dann

Dabrielle W

Gainesville, Georgia, United States

1913

Reviewed November 1, 2018

Don't miss this!

If you come in April/May bring a coat. This is so worth the drive! Beautiful views from the tower and surrounding area

Date of experience: June 2018

Thank Dabrielle W

Kathy M

279

Reviewed October 23, 2018 via mobile

Beautiful

The views are amazing. 5345 feet above sea level. The tower has been rebuilt since a fire. Some trees near the edge are burnt but still look really cool. The drive up is not for the faint of heart but a lot easier than some...More

Date of experience: October 2018

1 Thank Kathy M

SGSnMWS

Taylorsville, North Carolina

122

Reviewed September 26, 2018

Top of the World!!

My wife and I were going to Murphy, NC and decided to check out the Wayah Bald tower. We were so glad we did! It is a drive, to be sure, and once you get to the entrance you still are not there, as you...More

Date of experience: September 2018

Thank SGSnMWS

Angelakbd

Pickens, South Carolina

101

Reviewed September 4, 2018

Spectacular views

This is a great place to visit if you just have a day in Franklin. The views are beautiful the hiking trails around the area are moderate to strenuous. The view stretches for miles on a clear day and it's a great place to take...More

Date of experience: September 2018

Thank Angelakbd

Ken S

Reviewed August 28, 2018

Excellent views from here

I enjoy going to Wayah Bald several times a year. Both the Bartram and Appalachian trails cross this mountain. It is off of Old Murphy Road, about fourteen miles from Franklin. You drive to the summit via a seven mile graded gravel road. I have...More

Date of experience: July 2018

1 Thank Ken S

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Questions & Answers

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Mark D

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

May 10, 2018|

AnswerShow all 3 answers

I don't know what you have being reading but when I was there the entire trip was on a gravel road did not encounter mud at all , even if it rains I don't see a problem going there on a motorbike . That is my opinion