Stecoah Gap to Wesser - NC AT Hike

This hike just had two of us on it. We spent 9 hours on the trail and enjoyed the many rest areas. The morning started off at Stecoah Gap with a nice view looking down on Lake Fontana covered with clouds. 

It was a nice sunny day and sometimes we got a nice breeze. Not many view points on this hike except for Cheoah Bald that was not bald. Beautiful forests and with a variety of colorful flowers. Only saw eight other hikers on this hike.

This will be a strenuous 13.6 mile hike on the Appalachian Trail in the Nantahala National Forest. We will be hiking north to south on the hike. The hike will start at Stecoah Gap and end at Wesser and the Nantahala Outdoor Center.

The hike will have an elevation gain of about 1900 ft., starting at an elevation of 3165 ft and climbing to 5062 ft. at the 5.5 mile mark at Cheoah Bald. From there the hike will begin a descent of about 3300 ft. to the Nantahala Outdoor Center, with only one more small climb, to Swim Bald.

The early part of the hike will have several knobs to climb. But there are plenty of places to rest.

My guide book lists this as a 10 hour hike. Hopefully less with light packs.

This hike requires a shuttle.