Wilson Lick Ranger Station
The Wilson Lick Ranger Station, built in 1916, was the first ranger station built in the Nantahala National Forest. The station was used as a base camp for the Forestry Service, home of Game Refuge manager and later as a first aid and fire training center.
It is a beautiful location. There is the Ranger Station, outbuilding, a large grassy front lawn and information boards that tell of the history and them men who used it. It is a perfect place for a picnic and plenty of room to let the kids burn off excess energy.
Directions:
Take Hwy. 64 W out of Franklin for 3.7 miles. Turn right onto Patton Rd. and then take the first left (.3 miles) onto Wayah Road. Follow Wayah Road for 9 miles and then take the right fork onto National Forest Rd. (It will be a gravel road). The ranger station will be roughly 2 to 3 mile on the left side of the road. There will be a large sign and parking area. Don’t worry if the parking area is full. If you continue up the road to where it dead ends (Wayah Bald parking area) you can park and take the short hike to the Waya Bald Fire Tower lookout and return later. The road is well maintained but we recommend taking a vehicle with higher ground clearance.