Wayah Bald Lookout Tower
Wayah Bald Lookout Tower
Wayah Bald Lookout Tower
4.5
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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
316 reviews
Excellent
248
Very good
53
Average
12
Poor
0
Terrible
3
JAH
Atlanta, GA46 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, GA226 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
Georgia717 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
10 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, TN57 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
USA200 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.
Debbie F
Fort Myers, FL200 contributions
Sep 2024 • Couples
This is a beautiful area to visit! The road to get there is not bad but there are a lot of hair pin turns. If you’re prone to car sickness you might want to take something before you go.
Before you get to the top there is an old ranger’s house that you can stop at. Make to check out the out house-it’s 111’ from the house. Heaven help those who really had to go in the middle of the night!
When you do reach the top, there are modern outhouses to use. A short walk up to the top to see at least three states-Georgia, South and North Carolina. We took our dog on a leash and saw others with their pooch.
Just past the turn around there are picnic tables to have your lunch or snack.
Don’t be deterred by the road-it’s not bad. The view from the top is worth it and the road up is covered with foliage.
We had our pick up but any SUV will make it. I wouldn’t take a luxury car, though!
Before you get to the top there is an old ranger’s house that you can stop at. Make to check out the out house-it’s 111’ from the house. Heaven help those who really had to go in the middle of the night!
When you do reach the top, there are modern outhouses to use. A short walk up to the top to see at least three states-Georgia, South and North Carolina. We took our dog on a leash and saw others with their pooch.
Just past the turn around there are picnic tables to have your lunch or snack.
Don’t be deterred by the road-it’s not bad. The view from the top is worth it and the road up is covered with foliage.
We had our pick up but any SUV will make it. I wouldn’t take a luxury car, though!
Written September 4, 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.
KPS34997
Stuart, FL6 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.
Wayah Bald Lookout Tower. Anyone know if this is currently open in Sept 2020?
Written September 12, 2020
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.
Written June 8, 2020
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???
Written June 27, 2019
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.
Written June 28, 2019
I'm looking for something to do with 3 small kids on a rainy day...
Written December 26, 2018
It was fairly rainy on our trip, until we got above the clouds. It is a LONG, hairy drive, but beautiful one you arrive.
Written December 28, 2018
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
Written May 10, 2018
We saw bikes on every road we were on and we went up a LOT of dirt roads with switchbacks.
Written June 28, 2019
Are the roads open in mid-March?
Written March 5, 2018
No.
We are locals and drove 30 minutes on Sunday to find the road closed, on a beautiful, 60° sunny day.
Very disappointing.
Written March 6, 2018
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?
Written February 16, 2018
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.
Written February 16, 2018
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