The Balds Loop
53.5 miles / 86km
+13,900ft gain - 13,900 loss
The Loop starts at Wayah Bald tower and makes its way to the other prominent point of the route, Cheoah Bald, the northern terminus of the Bartram trail. The route creates a loop with the Appalachian National Scenic Trail and the Bartram Trail.
The Loop highlights several Balds in the region most notably Wayah Bald ( AT/BT) and Cheoah Bald (AT/ BT northern terminus) along with Wine Spring Bald (AT/BT), Jarrett Bald (BT), Little Bald (BT), Swim Bald (AT), Wesser Bald (AT), Rocky Bald (AT), Black Bald (AT), Tellico Bald (AT), Copper Ridge Bald (AT), Burning Town Bald (AT). The route also passes through the famous Nantahala Outdoor Center
The route is a true loop so offers both Clockwise, and Counter-Clockwise options. While the elevation gain and loss is the same in either direction, the difficulty of the route depends on the runner's strengths. Either get the hard stuff out of the way first, or ease into the route. In either direction there is a considerable climb/descent roughly in the middle of the route. The route starts and ends at Wayah Bald.
Other highlights include the views of Nantahala Lake, Nantahala Bikeway (short section along the river), and a crossing of the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad.
For the supported option there's a few key spots for support including multiple FS road crossings, Wayah Road, Hwy 19 W ( Nantahala Bikeway parking lot ), Nantahala Outdoor Center.
These locations could also be used for drops for the self-supported option.
For the unsupported option there are multiple opportunities to pull water from streams, creeks, natural springs, and springs at the AT shelters. Packing enough Calories/Carbs for the 53 mile effort is more of a problem than water.
As typical with any Southern Appalachian route the best time of year to attempt is in the shoulder seasons.
