Franklin NC to Wayah Gap - Driving Time/Miles

[mechengr]

What is the driving time and miles from Franklin NC to Wayah Gap? I believe it's the Mountain Waters Scenic Byway (SR 1310, Wayah Rd). And the question almost everybody has to ask including me, "Can I legally leave my vehicle in the parking lot overnight?"

[Ron Haven]

What is the driving time and miles from Franklin NC to Wayah Gap? I believe it's the Mountain Waters Scenic Byway (SR 1310, Wayah Rd). And the question almost everybody has to ask including me, "Can I legally leave my vehicle in the parking lot overnight?"Just over 17 miles,50 minutes drive due to the crooked road 1310 and forest service Rd 69.Yes you can park your car in the parking lot up next to the bald.

[Speer Carrier]

If the question was parking in Wayah Gap as opposed to Wayah Bald, I believe you can park in the Gap. I parked in the little lot at the gap three years ago for a week with no problem. There is a little picnic area there with rest rooms,and seems to get enough visitors to make the parking lot not real isolated. My guess is that about 6-10 cars could be parked there.

[Ron Haven]

If the question was parking in Wayah Gap as opposed to Wayah Bald, I believe you can park in the Gap. I parked in the little lot at the gap three years ago for a week with no problem. There is a little picnic area there with rest rooms,and seems to get enough visitors to make the parking lot not real isolated. My guess is that about 6-10 cars could be parked there.sorry speed carrier :o I was giving him Wayah Bald Info.You are right you can leave a car at Wayah Gap or as some call it is Wayah Crest.It is 11 miles from Franklin and it takes about 30 minutes to drive up there.

[GoldenBear]

There is plenty of parking at Wayah Gap, where a gravel road leads up from Highway 1310 (ie, Wayah Road) to Wayah Bald and the tower located there. However, I'll try to prevent the slight confusion I experienced when I got there last week. It's actually pretty straightforward *IF* you know what I figured out.

This schematic map (definitely NOT to scale!)
https://whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/showimage.php?i=63720&c=518
gives a general idea of what you'll find as you drive up towards Wayah Gap. If you're coming from Franklin, you'll see this sign
https://whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/showimage.php?i=63719&c=518
on the right (ie, north side of the road), and a gravel road going up the hill on the same side. This latter road goes to Wayah Bald and its tower. Do NOT park on this road!!
On the other side of the road (ie, the south side) is the entrance to the parking area for Wayah Gap.
https://whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/showimage.php?i=63718&c=518
There's no sign stating this is for parking, but it's the only entrance near the gap. As you drive up this road, you'll soon come to a fork in the road, with the parking area on the left.

Once you park, you'll notice a stone stairway from the parking area.
https://whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/showimage.php?i=63723&c=518
You won't find a blue arrow pointing the way up to the A.T., so I've added one to my photos. Just veer to the right as you approach the picnic tables.
https://whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/showimage.php?i=63722&c=518
https://whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/showimage.php?i=63721&c=518
And keep following the obvious, main walking area.
https://whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/showimage.php?i=63725&c=518
Fairly quickly you'll come to the intersection with the A.T., which is also an intersection with an old road.
https://whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/showimage.php?i=63724&c=518
North goes across Highway 1310, and then up to Wayah Bald and its tower. South goes to Siler Bald, and then to Winding Stair Gap (ie, U.S. Highway 64).