About Andrews Bald Trail (via Forney Ridge Trail)
Andrews Bald is one of the few open grassy balds in the Smokies you can reach in an easy half-day. The National Park Service lists it at 3.6 miles round trip, starting at the Forney Ridge trailhead at the end of Kuwohi Road. The trick is that the trail drops on the way out, so the climb of roughly 550 feet comes at the end when you are tired.
The hike
The Forney Ridge Trail leaves the parking area and drops quickly into dark, mossy spruce-fir forest, the cool high-elevation woods found only on the tallest Appalachian peaks. Tread is a mix of packed dirt, rock and roots, and it is muddy after rain. After 1.8 miles the forest opens onto the bald, a wide grassy clearing ringed with rhododendron and flame azalea, with views south toward Fontana Lake and layered ridgelines. Walk the full edge before you pick a picnic spot.
The bald is the natural turnaround. The Forney Ridge Trail continues downhill into the backcountry, but day hikers should head back up to the lot.
When to go
Flame azalea and Catawba rhododendron put on their show from late May into mid-June, depending on the year. Fall color at this elevation usually peaks in early to mid-October. Even midsummer is cool up here, which makes this a good escape from valley heat. Weather changes fast near 6,000 feet, so bring a rain layer and a warm layer.
Getting there
Take Newfound Gap Road to the Kuwohi Road turnoff and follow it about seven miles to the end. Kuwohi Road is seasonal, open April 1 to Nov. 29 in 2026 and closed any time snow or ice moves in. The lot fills by mid-morning on busy days, and there is no overflow.
Plan on a parking tag ($5 daily, $15 weekly, $40 annual) if you will be parked longer than 15 minutes. Federal passes do not substitute for it, and a screenshot will not do; the tag must be displayed in the vehicle.
Know before you go
There is no water on the trail. Black bears use this area, so keep your distance and store food properly. Pets are not allowed. If you want a second stop, the paved path to the Kuwohi observation tower starts from the same lot.
Good to know
- How long is Andrews Bald Trail (via Forney Ridge Trail)?
- Andrews Bald Trail (via Forney Ridge Trail) is 1.8 miles one way (3.6 miles round trip), with about 550 feet of climbing. It is rated moderate.
- Are dogs allowed on this trail?
- No. Inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park, dogs are allowed only on the Gatlinburg Trail and the Oconaluftee River Trail.
- Do I need a parking tag to hike here?
- A Park It Forward parking tag ($5 a day, $15 a week or $40 a year) is required for any vehicle parked more than 15 minutes inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Entry is free, and federal passes such as America the Beautiful do not replace the tag.
