Sitting at 5,920 feet, Andrews Bald is the highest grassy bald in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This trail used to be quite treacherous until major improvements were made by Friends of the Smokies. Thanks to them, this hike is now accessible for adventurous people of all ages!
Escape the crowds of Clingmans Dome and find peace at one of the most beautiful grassy balds in the Smoky Mountains. Take a short hike to Andrews Bald and enjoy the amazing views of the southern Smokies and Fontana Lake. Set up a nice picnic on a warm, sunny day, capture the picturesque scenery, or simply breathe in the fresh mountain air and enjoy being in nature.
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Know Before You Go
Great Smoky Mountains – Parking Tag
Parking tags are required in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. There are three different tags you can purchase. Daily pass for $5, weekly pass for $15, or an annual pass for $40. Tags may be purchased online, or on-site. Parking tags will NOT be required for motorists who pass through the area or who park for less than 15 minutes, or while parked at their designated campsite. Entrance into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is FREE, but a parking tag is required.
Best Time to Go
Hiking to Andrews Bald is beautiful almost any time of the year! But the best seasons to go would definitely be spring and fall. In the spring, expect to see Andrews Bald brighter than ever with vibrant green grass and colorful native flowers. In the fall, expect to see the glow of the sun hitting the fall-colored leaves on the trees.
The temperatures during both spring and fall are typically ideal for hiking as well. Always be prepared with extra layers just in case it’s a bit nippy out there! Also, I would HIGHLY recommend hiking to Andrews Bald early in the morning or later in the evening. Although not as popular as its neighbor, Clingmans Dome, Andrews Bald is still a popular hike.
READ THIS: 15 Ways to Avoid Crowds in the Great Outdoors
Our personal recommendation would be to watch sunrise or sunset from Andrews Bald. I bet it would be wonderful. Unfortunately, my husband and I have not watched sunrise or sunset from Andrews Bald, but it is on our bucket list!
Leave No Trace
Before you go, please make sure you understand the Leave No Trace principles. These seven principles help reduce our environmental impact from outdoor recreational activities. Nature is meant to be enjoyed and respected. 🌱
- Plan ahead and prepare
- Travel and camp on durable surfaces
- Dispose of waste properly
- Leave what you find
- Minimize campfire impacts
- Respect wildlife
- Be considerate of others
About the Trail
Andrews Bald via Forney Ridge Trail
Location: Andrews Bald is located in Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina.
Length & Elevation Gain: It’s about 3.6 miles with an elevation gain of 900 feet.
Hiking Time: It takes an average of 2 to 3 hours to complete this hike.
Route Type: This is an out-and-back hike.
Difficulty Rating: Most people rate this trail as moderate (depending on fitness level).
Terrain: This trail has dirt, rocks, steps, and grassy.
Pet-friendly? No, pets are not allowed.
How to Get to the Trailhead
As you turn off of Newfound Gap Road onto Clingmans Dome Road, it’s about a 7-mile drive to the parking lot. This is one of my favorite parking lots in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The views from there are spectacular! This parking lot shares two trailheads – Andrews Bald and the famous Clingmans Dome.
At the parking area, there is a visitor center and a few restrooms. The parking lot is huge with lots of parking spots! However, due to there being two trailheads and the popularity of Clingmans Dome, the parking lot can fill up quick during the peak season.
Put this address in Google maps: Clingmans Dome Trailhead Parking, Clingmans Dome Trail, Bryson City, NC 28713
ROAD CLOSURE: Clingmans Dome Road is closed seasonally, typically from early December through late March, and whenever the road is affected from dangerous weather conditions.
Trail Directions
The trail begins at the end of the parking lot to the left of Clingmans Dome Trail. Follow the Forney Ridge Trail which descends immediately down a set of steps. In about one-tenth of a mile, take a left at the intersection to stay on Forney Ridge Trail.
You will shortly reach another junction in the trail. The Forney Ridge Trail splits to the right but you will continue straight towards Andrews Bald.
In about 1.7 miles (according to the trail sign), you will reach the highest grassy bald in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This is Andrews Bald. Look out and be amazed at the stunning panoramic views!
Retrace your steps to return back to the parking lot. Be aware, hiking back to the parking lot will be tough due to the elevation gain. It’s mostly the last little bit of the hike that will be the steepest. But you got this!
Make it all the way back? Congrats, you did it! 🥳
We Vlogged Our Experience!
More Hikes in the Great Smoky Mountains
There are a bunch of awesome hikes to do in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park! Below is a list of some of our personal favorites.
Clingmans Dome – take a hike to the highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It’s a short yet very steep 0.5 mile-hike to an observation tower that offers beautiful 360-degree views.
Abrams Falls – this is a very popular hike along the Cades Cove Loop. It’s a 2.5-mile one-way hike to a 20-foot waterfall. Although small, Abrams Falls has a large volume of water flowing over with a beautiful open pool at the base making it a great photo opportunity. Swimming can be dangerous due to strong currents and an undertow. Be safe and have fun!
Chimney Tops – get ready for a tough, short hike! In the 2 miles heading towards Chimney Tops, you will gain about 1,400 feet in elevation. Unfortunately, due to fire damage and safety issues, the last 0.25 miles (which was the best part) is closed off. But there is a viewing platform which offers nice views, and you can see Chimney Tops from there!
Grotto Falls – hike 1.4 miles one-way to this unique waterfall. The Trillium Gap Trail takes you through an old-growth hemlock forest and continues behind the 25-foot waterfall. This is the only waterfall in Great Smoky Mountains National Park that you can walk behind!
Charlie’s Bunion – hike 4 miles one-way to one of the most picturesque spots along the Appalachian Trail and capture the breathing taking views from the unique rocky outcrop known as Charlie’s Bunion.
Alum Cave Trail to Mount LeConte – this is a very popular hike yet strenuous hike clocking in at 11 miles roundtrip with almost 2,800 feet of elevation gain. It’s an awesome adventure, and you will see Arch Rock, Alum Cave Bluff, Mount LeConte Lodge, Cliff Top, and Myrtle Point along the way!
Rainbow Falls – take a hike to a beautiful 80-foot waterfall. This 5.5-mile roundtrip hike is the perfect family adventure as the trail is rated moderate to hard difficulty. You might even see a rainbow at the waterfall!
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