Hike to Andrews Bald

Andrews Bald
Andrews Bald
The trail begins from the Clingmans Dome parking lot and drops elevation to get to Andrews Bald. After a large descent, it levels on a broad ridge, soon diverting to the right at mile 1.1. A final ascension through a forest will bring you to the grassy Andrews Bald, named for the cattle herder, Andres Thompson, who brought livestock up here in the 1840s.

Depending on the time of year, hikers can find patches of blackberries and raspberries, Fraser firs, and bluets, a small, blue wildflower sometimes called innocence or Quaker ladies.
 

Details about taking this hike:

Trail: Forney Ridge Trail

Driving to the Trailhead: Drive to the Clingmans Dome parking area at the end of Clingmans Dome Road. Look for a short access trail down to the left between the bulletin board and the paved trail to the Clingmans Dome Information center and Clingmans Dome tower.

Hiking Distance: 1.8 miles one way to Andrews Bald. Forney Ridge Trail continues past Andrews Bald for a total of 5.6 miles down to Springhouse Branch Trail.

Trail Conditions: Elevation change of 1,200 feet

NOTE: Pets are not allowed on this trail. The only two trails in the park that allow pets are the Gatlinburg Trail near the Sugarlands Visitor Center and the Oconaluftee River Trail near the Oconaluftee Visitor Center. Learn more about pet restrictions in the park.

 
Andrews Bald Location Map
Andrews Bald Location Map

Last updated: June 10, 2016

Park footer

Contact Info

Mailing Address:

107 Park Headquarters Road
Gatlinburg, TN 37738

Phone:

(865)436-1200

Contact Us