The Andrews Bald Trail offers a gentle introduction to hiking in Great Smoky Mountain National Park. It complements a visit to Clingmans Dome and rewards hikers with stunning views at its terminus.

It is advisable to plan your visit carefully, as parking can be limited in this popular area. Arriving early provides an opportunity to witness the breathtaking sunrise over the mountains from the expansive meadow at the trail’s end.

Basic Information for Andrews Bald Trail

Length of Trail

The trail spans 1.8 miles one way, with an option to connect to the Forney Ridge Trail for those seeking a longer hike.

Difficulty

This trail is classified as easy to moderate, featuring minimal elevation change. It is well-maintained and predominantly flat, supplemented by steps in more challenging areas.

Location

The trail begins at the Clingmans Dome parking area, located just before the gift shop on the left-hand side. It may not be immediately noticeable due to the focus on Clingmans Dome, but it serves as an excellent warm-up hike for newcomers to the park.

Trail Description

Upon entering the trail, hikers quickly escape the crowds and descend slightly into the serene woodland. The trail is quiet, predominantly flat, and free from major obstacles.

The initial segment of the trail showcases a gentle decline facilitated by constructed steps. While returning will involve climbing, the ascent is manageable. As you progress, the path remains flat, with an invigorating forest aroma filling the air.

Glimpses of the stunning views remain elusive until you approach the open meadow at the trail’s finale. As the trees thin out, the trail offers wooden planks to navigate the increasingly wet ground.

The trail culminates in a breathtaking vista featuring 180-degree views of sprawling forest and distant mountains, providing an ideal setting for a midday break.

Connecting Trails

Forney Ridge Trail

The Forney Ridge Trail, predominantly downhill, extends for 5.6 miles from the Clingmans Dome parking area to the Springhouse Branch Trail. It is characterized as steeper and rockier than the Andrews Bald Trail.

This trail presents the unique opportunity to traverse between two states, as it dips into North Carolina.

Appalachian Trail

Located slightly beyond the Andrews Bald Trail, the Appalachian Trail intersects midway along the Clingmans Dome Trail. This trail offers vast hiking possibilities—one can continue as far as desired before turning back.

Clingmans Dome Trail

A highly frequented route, the Clingmans Dome Trail is relatively short and paved, providing numerous viewpoints along the way. The main challenge lies in its continuous incline leading to the lookout.

While this trail may initially disappoint in expectations, the views highlight the park’s grandeur.

Concluding Thoughts

The Andrews Bald Trail represents an excellent option for a day hike and can be paired with other trails. It serves as a perfect warm-up for more challenging hikes, such as Ramsey’s Cascades Trail.

Planning a visit? Discover more details in the Guide to Great Smoky Mountain National Park.