Wesser Bald facts for kids
Wesser Bald is a mountain top, also called a summit, found in Macon County, North Carolina. It is close to the small town of Wesser. At the very top of Wesser Bald, there is a tall wooden fire tower. This tower gives hikers incredible, clear views of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Nantahala Mountains.
The famous Appalachian Trail crosses right over the summit of Wesser Bald. This trail runs from north to south across the mountain. To the north, you can find the Nantahala Outdoor Center in the Nantahala Gorge. To the south, there is a spot called Tellico Gap.
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Exploring Wesser Bald
Wesser Bald is a popular spot for hikers. It offers different ways to reach its summit. The mountain is 4,627 feet (1,410 meters) high. It is part of the beautiful Nantahala National Forest.
How to Reach the Summit
There are a few ways to hike up Wesser Bald.
- From Tellico Gap: One popular way is to start from Tellico Gap. This part of the Appalachian Trail is about 1.5 miles long. It takes about 20 minutes to climb from Tellico Gap to the top. Along this path, you will gain about 767 feet (234 meters) in height.
- The Blue Trail: Another path is called the "blue trail." This trail starts at the end of Wesser Creek Road. It follows Wesser Creek and joins the Appalachian Trail just south of the summit.
The Fire Tower View
The wooden fire tower at the top of Wesser Bald is very special. It lets you see all around, giving you a full 360-degree view. From the tower, you can see many famous places. These include Wayah Bald, the deep Nantahala Gorge, and even Clingmans Dome. The views of the Smokies are truly amazing from here.
The Fire Tower's Survival
In November 2016, big forest fires spread through the Nantahala Forest. At first, people thought the Wesser Fire Tower had been destroyed. But later, everyone was happy to learn that the tower had survived the fires! It was still standing strong, ready for more visitors to enjoy its views.
