The hike will begin on the Batram Trail at the Winding Stairs parking lot on Hwy 19, We will travel north on the Bartram Trail to Cheoah Bald. This section of the hike will be about 5 miles and will pass Ledbetter Creek several times This section will have a steep ascent until we reach Cheoah Bald at the intersection of the Appalachian Trail. Cheoah Bald is also the western terminus of the Bartram Trail.

Cheoah Bald is the only 5000 ft. peak between the Nantahala and Little Tennessee rivers. We should have views of Nantahala and Snowbird Mountains , Wayah Bald, and possibly Standing Indian and Albert Mountians to the south.

We begin a 2000 ft descent from Cheoah Bald on the AT to Stecoah Gap. This section of the hike is about 5.5 miles in length.  

This hike will require a shuttle, as this is a one way hike. We shall leave cars at Winding Stairs parking lot on Hwy 19 and at Stecoah Gap parking lot on Hwy 143.

We shall meet in the morning at the Mc Donalds in Robbinsville, NC. The address for the Mc Donalds is 374 Rodney Orr Bypass in Robbinsville, NC, 28771.

We will be leaving the Mc Donalds for the trailheads at 9:00 AM sharp. Please arrive there eariler.