Started early at 9:00 just when the rain started. The trail soon turned into a stream. Avoiding puddles is a fruitless endeavor. Feet are wet all the time spent hiking.

Climbed the lookout tower on Wesser Bald for spectacular views of nothing.

Big climb down from the ridge up at 5000 ft to the Nantahala Outdoor Center, which is way below 2000 ft. Vegetation in the valley is considerably greener and more lush than up there.

Checked into a cabin at the NOC. Amenities are Very Basic, but it’s warm and dry, so there’s that. Ate dinner at the on site restaurant: Chicken Alfredo Pasta (very yummy), and unlimited soda refills (yay USA).