Distance: 3.6 mi
Elevation Gain: 872 ft.
Estimated Time: 2-3 hrs.
Style: out-and-back

Parking Fee: $5 parking pass for GSMNP, or Annual National Parks Pass (purchased at a GSMNP visitor center or stand-alone kiosks throughout the park)

The Hike to Andrews Bald follows the Forney Ridge Trail. The trail is lush, mossy, and shaded during the warmer months. After 1.8 miles of (mostly) gradual downhill, you will reach Andrews Bald- A grassy patch on the side of the mountain with vast panoramic views. Andrews Bald is the highest known bald within the park that’s reachable by trail. It’s a great spot for a mid-hike picnic. Keep in mind that the way back is all uphill- bring water!

Parking for this trail is in the same lot as the Kuwohi (Clingmans Dome) Visitor Center. This is one of the busiest, most popular areas in the park. In the unfortunate case that you arrive to no available parking, having a plan B in mind would be wise. This parking lot does require a paid parking permit to be on display (day, week, or annual pass).

**Trail mileages listed below were measured using my Garmin GPS watch. They are approximate, not exact! Please only use them as a general guide.

Trailhead Address: Kuwhohi Trail, Bryson City, NC 28713

Let’s go hike to Andrews Bald. Take screenshots and follow along as you hike!

Parking for this trail is at the Kuwohi Visitor Center Lot. There’s room for 40 cars or more, but this is a VERY popular area. Expect crowds all summer and especially on weekends. There are beautiful views from the parking area as well as bathroom facilities, the visitor center nearby, and if Andrew’s Bald doesn’t scratch the itch- you can hike an additional 0.2 mi up a paved path to Kuwohi (highest point in the park).

To get to the Andrews Bald Trailhead, follow the crowds as if you’re heading to the visitor center. Far corner of the parking lot, past the bathrooms, where the wooden map kiosk is.

Almost immediately after you set foot on the paved path, you’ll see a stone staircase heading down on your left. Take these stone steps to start the trail. Continuing on the paved path with take you up to Kuwohi. If you pass the visitor center, you’ve gone too far- turn around.

We are following the Forney Ridge Trail to Andrews Bald.

Begin your hike going down a series of man-made wooden/gravel steps.

(0.1 miles into hike) Soon you’ll come to your first turning point. Make a left to continue heading toward Andrews Bald. *Take note of this turn for when you’re heading back later- it’s easy to miss.

Close up of the trail sign.

Continue straight for about 1 mile through lush, green, forested trail.

(1.1 miles into hike) Next you’ll reach the junction for Forney Creek Trail. Skip the right turn and continue straight on Forney RIDGE Trail.

Close up of the trail sign.

You’ll have some uphill climbing over the next half mile.

(1.7 miles into hike) Once you’ve reached this trail sign, you’re almost there.

Follow the wooden boardwalk into the open bald. When the trees open up, you’re there. The trail does continue beyond the bald, so be careful not to walk past it.. unless you want the extra miles.

Plenty of flat grass and dirt areas to throw down a blanket for a mid-hike snack break. There’s also a wooden bench right along trail for sitting. Soak in the views and re-charge before heading back.

On your return hike: remember to stay on the Forney RIDGE Trail and turn RIGHT at that final trail junction, leading back up to the parking lot.

Andrews Bald has a beautiful Rhododendron bloom in the late spring/early summer season.

Happy Trails 🙂

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• Trail Runners: Altra Lone Peak 9 Trail Running Shoe: Women’s, Altra Lone Peak 9 Trail Running Shoe: Men’s
• Day Pack: Osprey Sportlite with Hydraulics Reservoir
• Trekking Poles: LEKI Jannu Aluminum Adjustable Lightweight Walking Poles
• Satellite Communicator (SOS): Garmin inReach® Messenger Handheld Satellite Communicator
• Headlamp: BLACK DIAMOND Spot 350 Headlamp
• Not a fan of Amazon? This gear can also be found on Backcountry.com

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Check out my Youtube channel: Foggy Mountain Trails

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