High elevation bald in the Smokies

What: Hike to Andrews Bald in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

When: Anytime, or on a ranger-guided hike at 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 12.

Highlights: Andrews Bald is a high-elevation grassy bald along the Appalachian Trail in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Andrews Bald is 5,820 feet in elevation. The hike is 3.6 miles round trip with an elevation change of only 800 feet, largely following the ridgeline.

It’s is one of the few remaining high-elevation grassy balds, as many historically bald peaks have been growing up in brush and trees in recent decades.

Scientists are still unsure as to the origins of the balds in the Southern Appalachians. The park service actively manages Andrews Bald to keep it from growing up. Bring a lunch and water.

Directions: Take U.S. 441 north into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. At Newfound Gap (the state line), turn left on a spur road leading to Clingman’s Dome. For the guided hike, meet at the bulletin board.

It is about 45 minutes from Cherokee. Call the park visitor center at 828.497.1904.