Gregory Bald Trail

Hike #39 : June 19, 2015

9 miles

4.2 new miles
494.3 total overall miles

347.7 total miles of 800.8


For this year's trip up to Gregory Bald, Eddie and I decided on the Gregory Bald Trail since neither of us had hiked it before. We are joined by Cindy Parton Taylor, who complimented my hiking ability so we are now friends for life.

The day began with a nice quiet drive through an early morning Cades Cove on the way to the trail.

Cades Cove

From the Loop Road, the drive goes onto Forge Creek Road and on to Parsons Branch Road. Parsons Branch is a primitive access road and its a rather rough drive. It is also one way to Highway 129, better known as The Dragon. After 3.3 miles of bouncing around the gravel washboard that is Parson Branch, the trail parking area appears to the right. Its here where I meet up with Eddie and Cindy and the journey begins...

I'll just go ahead and say it up front, this is the easiest way up to Gregory Bald. That being said, its still an uphill hike. Aren't they all? The hike begins with some not-so-friendly clouds lingering above but Cindy found a lucky four leaf clover in the parking area so we're all good. No worries.

The trail starts out smooth and only slightly uphill for about the first mile. Its a beautiful stroll through the woods.

Nature showing off along the Gregory Bald Trail

After the first mile, the trail begins a steeper, steady climb for the next 3.1 miles. This is also a horse trail so many spots are damaged and muddy. Roots early on and rocks later can make things slightly more challenging but overall the trail is a good surface. After hiking to the bald from Twentymile and from Gregory Ridge, I was surprised when I reached Campsite #13 and the junction with the Wolf Ridge Trail. Although Gregory Bald Trail is only a little over a mile shorter than Gregory Ridge Trail, its a big difference.

Gregory Bald and Wolf Ridge trail junction

From here, its a steady uphill to the bald. This, to me, is the hardest half mile of the hike. Between just having climbed so far and being so ready to be there, it seems longer than it is.

When reaching the bald, we're welcomed to a foggy but beautiful azalea paradise. Since we'd made it up in 2 hours, we had plenty of time to wait out the fog. We found the perfect spot right where the view of Cades Cove would be when and if the fog lifted. It was amazing watching the fog and clouds roll in and out before finally opening up and blessing us with a wonderful view.

Our incredible view!

Oh, and did I mention the azaleas?

After about 3 hours, we finally drug ourselves away from all this beauty and headed back down the trail. Gregory Bald is one of many truly special places in these mountains. I really enjoyed this one the most of my three trips here. A good hike, good company and a really good day.


One more thing. I finally saw my first rattlesnake! Although it wasn't technically on the trail, it was on Parsons Branch Road on the way out. Wicked!

TRAIL REVIEW

Gregory Bald Trail - 4.5 miles one way

Campsite #13

Wanna hike the 900 without getting lost? Start by checking out the book Day Hiker's Guide To All The Trails In The Smoky Mountains by Elizabeth L. Etnier.

Hiking Trails of the Smokies or "The Little Brown Book" from the GSMA

Hiking Trails of The Great Smoky Mountains by Ken Wise

There is loads of information in the pages of GoSmokies.com.