The GSMA Hike of the Month: Andrews Bald

Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Join the Great Smoky Mountains Association for a guided hike to Andrews Bald on Saturday, May 26th.

The highlight of the hike will be an exposure to the first trail that benefited from the "Trails Forever" trail improvement program. Prior to the program the beginning of the trail was extremely rocky. It is now much easier to navigate due to all the hard work of "Trails Forever" National Park Ranger Christine Hoyer and her many volunteers.

The GSMA also hopes to see the Catawba Rhododendrons in bloom on the Bald. It may be a little early, but everything else has been early this year due to the unusually warm winter. Also, from the Bald there are great views of the mountains all the way to Fontana Lake.

If interested, meet at the Clingmans Dome parking lot at 9 am. The hike will be led by Marti Smith, an experienced hiker in the Smokies and 900-miler. It's a 3.8-mile round trip, and considered easy to moderate. Also bring a snack or lunch and water. Dress in layers and bring rain gear, just in case.

The fee is $5 for GSMA members and $10 for non-members. Children 12 and under are free, but must be accompanied by an adult. Call 865-436-7318, ext. 222 or 254 for reservations.


Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

1 comment

Luray Caverns Cabins said...

It seems great activity for all ages. Great weekend trip and fun with kids on hiking.