Gregory Bald

Hike #19 : June 21, 2014

17.8 miles

14.2 new miles
280 total overall miles

174.9 total miles of 800.8


We set out toward the Twentymile Ranger Station before daybreak on our journey to the amazing flame azalea fields of Gregory Bald. Today we're hiking from the ranger station on the Twentymile Trail, an easy half mile walk along a wide gentle pathway. At the trail junction, we continue to the left on Wolf Ridge. Wolf Ridge is also a rather easy stroll for 1.1 miles to the trail junction with the Twentymile Loop trail. This trail seems much less used than a lot of the trails in the Smokies but is still well maintained. For about a mile and a half, the trail works its way up steadily and then begins a downward decline to the Long Hungry Ridge Trail junction at 2.9 miles.

As we turn left onto Long Hungry Ridge, the trail winds smoothly for a mile or so before beginning a strenuous climb up toward the bald. Unfortunately, this is a horse trail. Between the recent rains and an overabundance of horses on the trail, the trail is reduced to a mass of mud and is basically destroyed. It really puzzles me as to why the park won't allow dogs on the trail due to the harm they could due to the trails and yet allow 1,000 pound horses free reign. I don't get it. But anyway, after trudging several miles up, we begin the final few steps to the bald.

The bald was surprisingly overcast and the azaleas were less bloomed than we'd hoped but ultimately it was as beautiful as ever at the summit. The cool breeze was incredibly welcoming as we had our lunch and took in the beauty around us.

The azaleas were beautiful as always. I also learned something new. There's a fungus that grows on azaleas that supposedly the Indians and early settlers used to harvest and eat. Its called the Azalea Gall and its caused by a fungus called Exobasidium Vaccinii. I picked one and tried it. Kinda tasted like a tasteless apple, not so good. It was pretty juicy though. 

After a hour or so talking with other hikers and waiting for the clouds to disperse, we decided to head down the mountain via the Wolf Ridge Trail. 

Wolf Ridge was much the same as Long Hungry Ridge, loaded with mud. When we came to campsite 13, which is currently closed due to bear activity, we came across a guy taking a nap in a sleeping bag with a few deer poking around. We stood and took pictures of the deer for 15 minutes or so when red sleeping bag dude was oblivious to it all. Good thing they were deer and not the aggressive bear the signs warned of.

It was another great day of hiking the Smokies! I will say that if your only purpose is to see the azaleas or just to hike to Gregory Bald, there are definitely easier ways to go including my previous hike there last year. But it was definitely worth the trip and the sore legs. Until next time... good hiking!

TRAIL REVIEW

Twentymile Trail - .5 mile

Wolf Ridge Trail - 1.1 miles

Twentymile Loop Trail - 2.9 miles

Long Hungry Ridge Trail - 4.6 miles

Gregory Bald Trail - 1.2 miles

Wolf Ridge Trail - 6.3 miles

Twentymile Trail - .5 mile

2 campsites (92, 95)

Twentymile Campground

Wanna hike the 900? Start by checking out the book Day Hiker's Guide To All The Trails In The Smoky Mountains by Elizabeth L. Etnier.

For more pictures of this hike, check out the Smoky Mountain Hikertrash facebook page.

For more information on this hike and many more, visit Hikinging The Smokys.