Highlights

•  Picnic Area with plenty of parking but older tables (bring your own grill) 
•  Nearby Hiking along the Appalachian Trail 
•  Hike to Siler Bald #1 via the AT for wonderful views 
•  Nearby Wayah Bald Lookout Tower, picnic and trails
•  No sign near the picnic area coming from Frankin/Small sign coming from Nantahala

The Local Scoop

Wayah Crest is a nice place to stop in and have a picnic lunch when in the area. It's location is directly off of Wayah Road on the left going towards Nantahala Lake, just as you reach the top of Wayah Gap (Forest Road #69 on your right & No sign for Wayah Crest)or to your right going towards Franklin from Nantahala (small sign on the right). We recommend using this area if you are just cruising through on your way to Franklin or Nantahala Lake or if you have been to Siler Bald for a morning hike and need to refuel. For those going on up to Wayah Bald & Lookout Tower, we would suggest stopping here for your picnic if you want more of a private setting versus the tables located up at Wayah's summit. The tables are located above the parking area so a short walk up some stairs is required.  The tables and general area aren't as regularly maintained as some of the other picnic spots on this site, but handy nonetheless.  

The Local Directions

From intersection of U.S. Hwy-64 W and U.S. Hwy-23/441 North in Franklin take Hwy-64 W towards Murphy, NC for 3.8 miles to "Old Murphy Rd.(SR 1448) on your Right (Wayah Bald sign). After you take the exit, continue down the hill for just under 0.2 miles to Wayah Road (SR 1310) on your Left ("Loafers Glory" gas station will be at the intersection of Old Murphy Rd. and Wayah Rd, so you'll know where to turn). Continue on Wayah Rd. for 9.1 miles where you'll find yourself at FR (Forest Road) #69 on the Right, at Wayah Gap. Don't take FR #69, but take your immediate Left that is just past 69. You will need to bear Left and up into the parking area for Wayah Crest Picnic area.

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Coordinates

35.153152, -83.581047

Access

Easy via Wayah Road

Nearest City

Franklin

County

Macon County

Distance From

Franklin, 13.5 miles