Hiking To Andrews Bald In Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Andrews Bald is a beloved scenic destination in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, offering wide-open views and high-elevation meadows.
The bald is named after Andrew Thompson, a cattle herder who grazed livestock here in the 1840s.
The hike to Andrews Bald is a moderately challenging 3.6-mile round-trip trek with over 800 feet of elevation gain.
The trail begins at the Forney Ridge Trailhead, located on the left just before the visitor information center at the far end of the Kuwohi (formerly Clingmans Dome) parking area.
Because Kuwohi is one of the park’s most visited locations, consider hiking early in the morning or later in the day to avoid crowds.
The trail descends through a beautiful spruce-fir forest before reaching the open grassy bald, which is especially vibrant in summer when flame azaleas bloom.
On clear days, the views from Andrews Bald stretch across the surrounding ridgelines and valleys.
We reached the bald at 10:30 a.m., but unfortunately, we were met with thick clouds and no views—just a blanket of white.
It was a bit disappointing considering the effort it took to hike back out.
That return climb is no joke—it’s steep and will definitely get your heart pumping. The trail is also quite rocky, so watch your footing throughout the hike.
The area is home to a wide variety of plant life. Depending on the season, you might spot wild berries, bluets (also called Quaker ladies), and stands of Fraser fir.
Wildlife sightings can include deer, squirrels, and high-elevation birds like dark-eyed juncos.
On the way back, we took the short spur trail to Kuwohi (Clingmans Dome), which adds about half a mile and a couple hundred feet of elevation gain.
It’s well worth the detour—Kuwohi is the highest point in the park and one of its most iconic landmarks.
For those looking to extend the adventure, continuing on the Forney Ridge Trail beyond Andrews Bald offers a more strenuous and longer hike deeper into the backcountry.
Even though we missed the famous views due to fog and clouds, the eerie, misty forest made for a peaceful and uniquely beautiful experience. Next time, we’ll aim for a clear day to finally take in those sweeping mountain vistas.
