McAfee Hikes

Date Written: 12/06/2024 | AT Mile 2079.6 | Day Total: 18.3 miles | Gain: 6364 ft

Another chilly morning! 18 degrees in my tent. Slept very well, only tossed a few times. The inside of my tent was coated in a layer of frozen condensation.

Made some breakfast and packed up. It takes way longer to get ready when it’s cold. I wasn’t hiking until 8:12 despite waking up at 6:30.

Big climbing day today. The majority of this morning I was climbing up to Wesser Bald. Most of it wasn’t terribly steep just 3000ft up over the course of 5 miles. The one part that was steep was short and had amazing views north.

Just before the last push to Wesser Bald I stopped at a well flowing spring to filter water. I try to avoid carrying lots of water up whenever possible.

At the top of Wesser Bald there is a large observation deck. The views were amazing! 360 degrees.

After about 2 miles of descent I reached Tellico Gap where I stopped for lunch. The sun was shining brightly today with clear blue skies. I laid out my tent to defrost and dry while I ate.

After lunch I had a 1200ft climb to Rocky Bald and shortly after, Copper Ridge Lookout. Some good views here but as expected, not as astonishing was Wesser Bald.

The trail is what I’m going to call lifted in some areas. Because the soil was wet and then froze parts of the trail have risen a few inches. Sometimes the dirt gives away and your foot will fall an inch or two into the dirt. Doesn’t slow me down much it just catches me off guard sometimes.

Afterwords I hiked down to Burningtown Gap. Not long after the gap I filtered some more water at a small stream. It was like a miniature waterfall.

Had another 1500 ft to climb to Wayah Bald. Passed my some views through the trees and Licklog Gap.

I soon made it to Wayah Bald. There’s a really neat stone observation tower at the top. The views were amazing one of the best since the Smokies.

Had a little under 2 miles to where I’m camping tonight. I dipped down a little bit before climbing up to a neighboring ridge. It’s a campsite with a well flowing spring nearby.

When I arrived, it was just before sunset and beginning to get dark. I grab some water and pitched my tent. They campsite options aren’t great, but I found a flat spot. After making some dinner, I settled in for the night and journaled. It’s only supposed to get down to 20 tonight but it’s already 23. We’ll see if that holds up.