20. Andrews Bald | Forney Ridge Trail

Andrews Bald via Forney Ridge Trail: A Scenic Hike

The Andrews Bald via Forney Ridge Trail is one of the most rewarding hikes in Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP), offering stunning panoramic views, vibrant wildflowers, and a moderate challenge that appeals to a wide range of hikers. This out-and-back trail leads to the highest grassy bald in the park, where visitors can enjoy sweeping vistas of Fontana Lake and the surrounding southern Smokies. Whether you’re a seasoned trekker or a family looking for an accessible adventure, this hike provides a perfect blend of natural beauty and historical intrigue.

PHOTO CREDIT: Angela Ramage is an avid photographer, hiker, and kayaker. She has been a dear friend for many years, lives in north Georgia, but always seems to find her way to the Smokies! Angela provided some of the images in our carousel above. John Parker is a fantastic wildflower photographer and friend. John loves to hike the Great Smoky Mountains National Park with his camera. The photos of the flowers in our carousel above are from one of his early morning hikes to Andrews Bald. All photos are copyrighted and used here with permission.

Getting to Forney Ridge Trail Trailhead

The trailhead for Forney Ridge Trail is near the Kuwohi (Clingmans Dome) Visitor Center off Newfound Gap Road.

• From Sugarlands Visitor Center: Turn onto Newfound Gap Road (US 441) and drive toward Cherokee for 13.1 miles. Turn right onto Kuwohi Road and drive another 6.9 miles to the Clingman’s Dome (Kuwohi) parking lot. Follow this scenic, 7-mile road as it climbs through dense forests and offers glimpses of the park’s high-elevation ecosystems. The road ends at the large parking lot for Clingmans Dome. This route typically takes about 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic and weather conditions.
• From Oconaluftee Visitor Center: Turn right onto Newfound Gap Road (US 441) and drive 15.5 miles toward Gatlinburg. Turn left onto Kuwohi Road and drive another 6.9 miles to the Kuwohi (Clingman’s Dome) parking lot.

After arriving at the parking area, walk toward the visitor center on the wide paved path. Just past the large boulders, a smaller mountain trail goes off to the left. Take this trail for 0.2 mile and turn left onto Forney Ridge Trail.

RELATED: Great Smoky Mountains National Park Visitor Centers

Parking

Parking for the Andrews Bald hike is available at the Kuwohi (Clingmans Dome) parking lot. This is a large paved area that can accommodate hundreds of vehicles but often fills up quickly, especially on weekends and during fall foliage season. We recommend arriving early in the morning between 7:00 – 9:00 AM to ensure you get a spot easily.

A parking tag is required for any vehicle parked in Great Smoky Mountains National Park for more than 15 minutes. These can be purchased online before you get there or at the Kuwohi Visitor Center after you arrive. Proceeds support park maintenance and is a valuable resource.

• Daily: $5.00
• Weekly: $15.00
• Annual: $40.00 (not available online).

No entrance fee is charged for the park itself, but the tag system helps manage visitation impacts. To avoid parking stress, consider using shuttle services offered by local outfitters. These shuttles drop off and pick up at the trailhead, allowing you to focus on the hike without worrying about your vehicle. During weekends and holidays, expect crowds; mid-week hikes offer a quieter experience.

Restrooms at Kuwohi (Clingmans Dome) Visitor Center

Restroom facilities are conveniently located at the Clingmans Dome Visitor Center, right at the trailhead area. These are flush toilets available seasonally, typically from April through November, weather permitting. These bathrooms are accessible and well-maintained, adding to the convenience of starting your hike here.

There are no restrooms along the trail itself, so use the facilities before setting out. For those with accessibility needs, the visitor center restrooms are ADA-compliant. If the center is closed (e.g., during winter), portable toilets may be provided, but always pack out any waste and follow Leave No Trace principles. Water fountains or bottle-filling stations are also available at the center, making it easy to hydrate before your adventure.

Forney Ridge Trail Description

The Forney Ridge Trail to Andrews Bald has undergone significant updates in recent years, making it more accessible while preserving its rugged charm. Originally known for its rocky and uneven path, the trail benefited from major improvements starting in 2008 through the Friends of the Smokies’ Trails Forever program.

Crews installed flat stone steps, locust wood staircases, drainage structures, and elevated boardwalks, reducing erosion and making the hike safer on the knees and ankles. As of 2025, the National Park Service continues restoration work, with recent reviews noting well-maintained conditions and ongoing efforts to enhance the path.

The hike begins at the Forney Ridge Trailhead, just off the Clingmans Dome (Kuwohi) parking lot. After a short 0.2-mile connector path, you’ll turn left onto the main trail. The first mile descends steadily through a spruce-fir forest, a high-elevation ecosystem reminiscent of the last ice age. Many trees here show signs of distress from the balsam woolly adelgid, an invasive insect that has killed over 90% of Fraser firs in the park since its introduction from Europe in the early 1900s. The air is crisp, often 15 degrees cooler than lower elevations, with a pine-scented mossy understory that adds to the enchanting atmosphere.

At 0.1 miles, the Clingmans Dome Bypass Trail branches right toward the Appalachian Trail, stay left for Andrews Bald. The path features a multitude of rocks, which can challenge footing, but the improvements have mitigated much of the loose gravel and runoff issues from years past.

At 0.9 miles, you’ll pass the junction with Forney Creek Trail; continue straight. From here, the trail ascends briefly for 0.5 miles to the bald, with an elevation gain of about 875 feet roundtrip.

Andrews Bald itself is a grassy meadow maintained by the NPS to prevent forest reclamation. Named after a settler who grazed cattle here in the 1800s, it’s the highest bald in GSMNP at around 5,920 feet. In late spring and early summer (peak around early July), the area bursts with flame azaleas, rhododendrons, and mountain laurel in vibrant pinks, oranges, and purples.

Wildlife sightings are common, including black bears, maintain a safe distance and store food properly. The panoramic views encompass Fontana Lake and the southern Smokies, ideal for picnics on clear days. Historically, the area near the trail was the site of a tragic B-29 plane crash in 1946, just after World War II, where all 12 crew members perished. Wreckage was scattered near Clingmans Dome, adding a layer of somber history to the hike.

Recent conditions report the trail in good shape, with some rocky and steep sections, especially the uphill return, which can feel brutal for average hikers. The descent out is relatively easy, but the ascent back tests endurance. Overall, it’s rated moderate but can feel harder due to rocks, wear sturdy shoes.

The consensus among hikers is that the hike to Andrews Bald on Forney Ridge Trail, and the view from there, is excellent. However, hikers disagree on the difficulty rating of the trail, mainly because of the multitude of rocks one has to deal with. Recent trail improvements by the Friends of the Smokies through the Trails Forever program made Forney Ridge Trail easier to hike. Even so, the vast number of rocks remains a menace to the feet and ankles. Our grade is “moderate” due to the rocks and the 839 feet elevation change.

Forney Ridge Trail begins a descent and continues downhill for the first mile. At the 0.9 mile, you will come to Forney Creek Trail; continue straight. The trail then begins a short ascent to Andrews Bald, another 0.5 mile. Andrews Bald is a fantastic place for an early/late summer picnic (to avoid the heat) and the view of Fontana Lake is spectacular on a clear day. Wildflowers, rhododendron, and flaming azaleas cover the highest bald in Great Smoky Mountains National Park with color.

Andrews Bald via Forney Ridge Trail offers an unforgettable experience in one of America’s most visited national parks. With its updated paths, breathtaking views, and rich history, it’s a hike that rewards preparation and respect for nature. Always check weather forecasts, pack essentials like water, snacks, and layers, and follow park regulations for a safe journey.

Nearby Points of Interest

Kuwohi (Clingman’s Dome) is a must. You cannot park in the Clingman’s Dome parking area and not do Clingman’s Dome! Chimney Tops Trail is just 13 miles back toward Gatlinburg. Chimney Tops is a “strenuous” hike, but the payoff is amazing.