Joyce Kilmer–Slickrock Creek Wilderness - Hangover - Member Hike

Hike Name:	Joyce Kilmer–Slickrock Creek Wilderness - Hangover
Country:	United States
State:	North Carolina
Nearby Town:	Robbinsville
Rating:
Directions:	(Wolf Laurel Parkin Area) – From Robbinsville, NC take US 129 north approximately 1 mile past Robbinsville. Turn left onto NC 143 West (marked with a sign for the Joyce Kilmer – Slickrock Creek Wilderness). After 3.4 miles, NC 143 West makes a 90 degree turn to the right. Continue on NC 143 West for 10.2 miles to Santeetah Gap. This is the junction of NC 143, FR (Forest Road) 81, and SR (State Road) 1127. There is a wayside station here on NC 143. Immediately before the wayside station, turn right onto SR 1127, and then make an immediate left onto FR 81. FR 81 is a U.S. Forest Service Road and within 100 yards it changes from pavement to gravel. Continue on FS 81 for 6.7 miles. You will pass a number of drive in campsites along the creek. Watch carefully for FR 81F. This road breaks off to the right. Follow FR 81F for 4.8 miles to the Wolf Laurel Trailhead.
Total Hike Distance:	7.00 miles
Hike Difficulty:	Moderate to Difficult
Permit Required:	No
Hike Type:	In & Out, Backtrack Hike
Hike Starts/Ends:	Wolf Laurel Trailhead
Trails Used:	Wolf Laurel (#57), Stratton Bald (#54), Haoe Lead (#53), Hangover Lead (#56)
Backcountry Campsites:	No
Backcountry Water Sources:	Springs
Management:	U.S. Forest Service
Contact Information:	Nantahla National Forest Cheoah Ranger District Route 1, Box 16-A Robbinsville, NC 28771 (704) 479-6431
Best Season:	Spring, Summer, Fall
Users:	Hikers, Dogs
Road Conditions:	Primary Paved Roads, Secondary Paved Roads, Maintained Gravel or Dirt Roads, Unmaintained Gravel or Dirt Roads
Hike Summary:	The Joyce Kilmer – Slickrock Creek Wilderness is best know for its gigantic strands of virgin timber in the Poplar Cove area. However, both Stratton Bald and Hangover offer fantastic views of the surrounding Cherokee and Nantahala National Forests. Both areas exceed 5000 feet in elevation and offer dramatic 270-360 degree views. There is a large meadow at Stratton Bald with numerous campsites scattered in the bushes. Hangover is a rock formation with various rock outcroppings, but there are also numerous sites a short distance before the summit.