1-Silers Bald (Nantahala). Georgia was good. Standing Indian
and Albert were even better but Silers is why you walk all those miles
in the woods. Mountains in every direction, a shelter nearby and as the
first 360’ view for northbounders it holds a special place in the thru-
hiker’s journey.
2-Big Bald. Talk about drama. This is the culmination of the section
between Hot Springs and Erwin. In addition to a fabulous view and
magical sunsets there’s water not far from the summit on the north side.
No wonder Hog Greer was so possessive.
3-Max Patch. I had to make a separate trip to see the Patch in its full
glory since I got snow on the summit during my section hike and
detoured around it during my thru-hike (worst mistake of the trip).
It was totally worth it. Smokies to the south, Mt Mitchell and the other
Black Mountains to the east and Balds to the north. Hard to beat.
4-Grassy Ridge. I know, I know. It’s 0.5 from the trail. So is Silers.
This one spreads out the whole section before you like few other summits
can. From Unaka to Roan to Hump. The only thing to spoil the view is
Sugartop, the large monolithic hotel to the Northeast.
5-Hump Mt. Pretty humble name for one of the best mountains in North
Carolina. Not only a great culmination to a truly great section, keep an
eye out to the east for the profile of Grandfather Mountain.
