Reporter seeks opinions on AT day-hikes

[frankieshoes]

Hi,

I'm doing a feature article on the best AT day-hikes. Basically, I'm just looking for top 5 or top 10 lists, annotated if you want with what makes those particular hikes so great.

Thanks! Any help is much appreciated.

[Ron Haven]

Hi,

I'm doing a feature article on the best AT day-hikes. Basically, I'm just looking for top 5 or top 10 lists, annotated if you want with what makes those particular hikes so great.

Thanks! Any help is much appreciated.As a personal opinion.I have a business and a family.This limits my leisure time.For,fun,exercise,and loving to get back in the mountains with natural creations.A day hike or a weekend excursion with my family or friends is solid gold mentally to me.

[Tha Wookie]

My favorite day hike is the brisk climb from Winding Stair Gap to Siler's Bald in North Carolina. It's about 3.5 miles (approx., I'd look that up), and it gains elevation fast up to a spectacular 360 degree vista (short side trail to the top). On the way down you can stop in the Siler Bald shelter on a looping side trail and get from water from the spring and catch up on the trail happenings in the shelter register. The neat thing about it also is that it shows that the highest points on the Appalachian scenic byways are often the lowest points of the trail. It's a whole 'nother world up yonder.

[Tha Wookie]

incidentally, the one I just described can also end with a night at Ron Haven's Hiker Haven in Franklin. There's also a good BBQ joint in the town to ruin the great workout.