Andrews Bald is the hike we recommend to anyone who reaches the high country of Great Smoky Mountains National Park and wants a real view without a punishing climb. It is a 3.6-mile round trip from the highest trailhead in the park down to a grassy mountaintop meadow with open views south into North Carolina. In early summer the bald lights up with flame azalea and rhododendron. This is our field guide to the route: the stats, the trail itself, when to go, and the logistics that trip people up.
Andrews Bald at a Glance
| Distance | About 3.6 miles round trip |
| Elevation change | About 900 feet (you descend on the way out, climb on the way back) |
| Bald elevation | 5,950 feet (the highest grassy bald in the Smokies) |
| Difficulty | Moderate; rocky and rooty footing, climb on the return |
| Time | 2 to 3 hours round trip |
| Trailhead | Forney Ridge Trailhead at the Kuwohi (Clingmans Dome) parking area |
| Best season | Mid-June for azaleas; the road is closed December through March |
Getting to the Trailhead
The hike begins at the Forney Ridge Trailhead, which sits at the Kuwohi parking area, formerly known as Clingmans Dome. The trailhead is on the far side of the lot, just before the visitor contact station. Because the trailhead is up Kuwohi Road, the same seasonal closure applies. The road is open to vehicles from April 1 through November 30 and closed December 1 through March 31. During the closure you would have to walk the road first, which turns this into a much longer outing, so most people hike Andrews Bald between spring and fall.
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The Trail
From the trailhead you follow the Forney Ridge Trail. The first stretch drops through a dark spruce-fir forest over rocky, root-laced tread. It is not technical, but the footing demands attention, so trail shoes or boots beat sneakers here. After about half a mile you reach a junction; stay left to continue toward Andrews Bald. The trail keeps descending until the forest opens suddenly onto the bald.
The bald itself is several acres of open grass, a rare thing this high in the Appalachians and a place to spread out, picnic, and take in the view. Remember that you descended to get here, so the return trip is the climb. It is steady rather than brutal, but at nearly 6,000 feet the thin air makes it feel harder than the numbers suggest.
When to Go
- Mid-June: The reason many people make this hike. Flame azalea and Catawba rhododendron bloom across the bald, peaking in mid-June most years.
- Summer: Cool temperatures at this elevation and wide-open views when the haze lifts, usually best in the morning.
- Fall: Crisp air, long views, and color on the slopes below the bald.
- Winter: The road to the trailhead is closed December through March, so plan for spring through fall unless you are prepared for a long road walk.
What to Bring and Know
- Sturdy footwear: The rocky, rooty tread is the main challenge. Boots or trail shoes make it far more comfortable.
- Layers: At nearly 6,000 feet it stays cool and can be windy on the open bald even in summer. Bring a layer and a rain shell.
- Parking tag: Great Smoky Mountains has no entrance fee but requires a Park It Forward parking tag for any vehicle parked over 15 minutes. Buy one before you go.
- Arrive early: The Kuwohi lot fills fast in summer and fall. An early start means parking and a quieter trail.
- Leave no trace: The bald is a fragile high-elevation meadow. Stay on established paths and pack out everything.
Our Great Smoky Mountains Film
Here is a short film from our trips to the park to set the scene before you go.
Plan the Rest of Your Trip
Andrews Bald pairs naturally with a stop at the high point of the park, since you start from the same parking area. For more trails, scenic drives, and where to stay, see our full Great Smoky Mountains National Park guide.
Andrews Bald FAQ
How long is the hike to Andrews Bald?
About 3.6 miles round trip from the Forney Ridge Trailhead, with roughly 900 feet of elevation change. Most hikers take 2 to 3 hours.
When do the azaleas bloom?
Flame azalea and rhododendron typically peak on the bald in mid-June, though the exact timing shifts a little year to year with the weather.
Is the trail open in winter?
The trail exists year-round, but the road to the trailhead, Kuwohi Road, is closed to vehicles December 1 through March 31. In winter you would have to walk the road first, making it a much longer trip.
What to Bring to Great Smoky Mountains
Gear we recommend for Great Smoky Mountains. Affiliate links support our work at no cost to you.
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More Than Just Parks Film Watch our film of Great Smoky Mountains We spent weeks in Great Smoky Mountains, one of our favorite public lands destinations, capturing it the way it deserves. Take a few minutes and see it for yourself.
