NC Appalachian Trail - Sections 6 - Nantahala River to Tellico Gap

Date	Distance	Time	Elevation Gain	Average Moving Time	Year to Date Miles
11/16/2019	8.1 miles	5 hours 18 minutes	826'		549.5

Map: Appalachian Trail Conservancy North Carolina
Parking: NOC and Tellico Gap
Directions: Hike from Tellico Gap to NOC

We planned a shorter day for today so that we could drive to Charlotte at night. We saw a hunter on the trail today for the first time. We've seen several on the forest roads, with their trucks full of hunting dogs, but today was the first time we actually encountered one on the trail. We heard the hounds barking while we hiked. I have no idea what they actually hunt for when they have hounds. We don't see hunters with hounds where I live.

Tara and some of our group left trail magic at the trailhead for the SOBO hikers. What a great idea! We did see the same SOBO's we had met yesterday on the trail.
Early in the hike, we reached Wesser Bald, a fire tower. The rest of our group continued, but Glen and I climbed it. Stunning 360 degree views at the top.

There were lots of blowdowns today. We kept having to climb over and under trees. My feet felt sore - I hiked at a more relaxed pace. Some of the downhill sections were steep.

This was the end of our week long trip. We had a great time. It was good to reconnect with friends I had made earlier this year, and make new hiking friends who are as crazy about section hiking the AT as I am :) I can't wait to get back and continue hiking north through the Smokey Mountains.

Approaching the tower