Pets allowed
Not Allowed
Elevation Gain
925.00 ft (281.94 m)
Trail type
There-and-back
Distance
3.60 mi (5.79 km)
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Andrews Bald is a popular day hike near Clingmans Dome. Located on a ridge below the timberline, Andrews Bald is a treeless grassy meadow. Balds are common to the southern Appalachians, but it is unknown how or why these balds came about. Common speculation is that they were cleared and used by early settlers for grazing purposes so that the lower elevations could be used for growing crops during the summer months. Today, Andrews Bald is maintained by the National Park Service and provides tourists with a fantastic spot to soak in some Great Smoky Mountain views.

The trail starts at the Clingmans Dome parking lot. Head to the Forney Ridge Trail and follow it for about 1.8 miles. Wooden and rock steps are plentiful, and elevated boardwalks are found along a section of the trail. As you approach the bald, vegetation starts to clear and views begin to appear. From the bald, look to the south and southwest for panoramic views stretching across the Smokies and down to Fontana Lake. Return to the trailhead via the Forney Ridge Trail. If you wish to explore further, try taking the Forney Creek Trail. This trail is very steep and poorly maintained in spots. However, it leads into a remote area of the park where several backcountry campsites are located.

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Spring
Summer
Fall

Congestion

High

Parking Pass

Not Required

Pros

Great views. Enjoyable trail.

Cons

Congestion at the parking lot.

Trailhead Elevation

6,300.00 ft (1,920.24 m)

Features

Big vistas

Typically multi-day

No

Location

Nearby Lodging + Camping

Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Comments

07/01/2018
Photos from a July hike to Andrews Bald. *** Please note that the hike to Andrews Bald does begin in the Clingmans Dome parking lot. This parking lot is inaccessible from December 1st until March 31st due to Clingmans Dome road being closed for the season. Even up until that time and after, it is common for the road to be closed due to weather conditions. Check with the park, before heading out for the trail. If you're up for more of a challenge, you can walk the road to the trailhead or take a 7 mile, one way hike on the Appalachian Trail to the parking area and then out to Andrews. Making it am almost 18 mile hike.
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