Gregory Bald ?

“I am considering a day trip to Gregory Bald to see the azaleas. What is the prettiest route to the top. It looks like Gregory Bald Trail is just under 5 miles from the road with about 3000' of gain. The description sounds pretty good. Also, is there parking at the road? The description said something about a washout that may add 4 more miles to the hike. Thanks all you Smokies experts.”

“Yes, parking exists at two trailheads:

Gregory Ridge Trail - 4.9 miles to Gregory Bald Trail, then about 0.7 mi. to the bald.

Gregory Bald Trail - 4.4 miles.

Mid to late June is probably the best time for the flame azaleas.

Andrews Bald can be reached in a shorter distance from the parking lot at Clingman's Dome. And there are some mini-balds with azaleas along the AT between Clingman's Dome and the junction with the Goshen Prong Trail. This section of trail has some beautiful views.”

“Thanks for the info. I did the Goshen Prong/AT to Clingmans and down Noland Divide late last summer. It was brutal coming uphill. About a 14 mile day with about 4000' gain when you include all the ups and downs between the peak and campsite.”

“You can also start at 20mile ranger station and go up that way. Humanpackmule has been up that way, and was there last june to see the azaleas.”

“I've been from 20 mile up Wolf Ridge trail to Parsons and Gregory. We camped at CS 95 and dayhiked up and back. Pretty strenuous going up that way but no problem to do in a day if you're light. Seems like the trail was good”

“I think Gregory Ridge trail is the steepest approach.

Gregory Bald trail would be a good choice if you wanted to day hike but keep in mind that Parson Branch Road is one way and then you have a long drive back around to where you were. Yes there is parking at both trailheads.

When I went last 4th of July the azaleas were at peak. Just beautiful.”

“mtnman has suggested a good hike. He likes his hiking in the wintertime, when the views are better. You could extend it into a loop by returning on the Long Hungry Ridge Trail. An even longer loop is posssible by taking Gregory Bald Trail to the AT at Doe Knob and then down the AT to the twentymile trail and out. It sounds like you can handle the altitude changes and the distance.

Watch out for a 6' to 7' long timber rattlesnake about a mile above CS#95. I almost stepped on it, came within two inches. We both woke up in a hurry.

mtnman - How was CS#95. I recall that it was a ways off the trail and I had to fight through some brush to get there. It did not appear to receive much use. What was your impression?

If I could get away from this keyboard, I could leave Florida for GSMNP. I took 15 days off work starting yesterday and I'm still here.

humanpackmule posted some nice pictures from the Wolf Ridge Trail last year, at least one had a great view from Parson's Bald.”

“Thanks for all the input. At this point I'm thinking of meeting at the Gregory Bald Trailhead and leaving a vehicle. The group will squeeze in the other vehicle and drive to 20mile and hike up to Gregory. We could then hike back to our vehicles at Gregory Bald trailhead, pick up the 2nd vehicle and take off. That would allow us to see different trails without too much mileage. Thanks again.”

“Dayhiker I don't know how familiar you are with those roads so just be aware that that is a long slow drive around and you will have to do it twice cause Parson's brach is one-way from Gregory Ridge Trail. 129 is extremely twisty and will slow you way down. Meet as early as you can to do your shuttle.”

“Sounds like a good two day trip. One day for hiking and one day in the cars.

Motorcyclists love highway 129 on the weekends. It is one curve after another and it has some great views. You'll find lots of T-shirts and snacks at the gas station/store at Deal's Gap.”

“Thanks for all the input. Here's the trip as a whole. Leave home a 4 am CST and head to the Smokies. Arrive at Cade's Cove about 9:30 EST. Drop off a vehicle and continue to 20 mile. Hike up to Gregory Bald and eat lunch. Goof off for a couple of hours and then head dove to the vehicle in the Cove. Pick up vehicle at 20mile and then take 129 or 28 to Bryson City. Continue on to Catloochee for car camping. Get up Sunday morning and see the elk. We'll probably also hike Boogerman trail and then head home.

Two final questions: Is 28 faster than 129 and has anyone hiked Boogerman?

Thanks so much.”

“When are you planning on doing this?”

“late June, probably the 29-30. A coworker, bosses son, friend, and cousin are all hooking up to see the elk and the azaleas. It should be a pretty good trip. I have spent all my points with my wife and wasn't going to be able to take an overnight trip until late summer. I put this together as a daytrip for the coworker and I and she said that spending the night would be ok. Yippee. I get to see the bald/azaleas AND the elk. I would have had to make a choice for the dayhike.”

“Cool. Have a good time!”

“G00SE and I are going to do part of our honeymoon in the Smokies and I thought maybe we might run into you. We're going to be there at the other end of June, though.”

“That would've been good. I hope to hooke up with yall one day.”

“If that is a weekend, Cataloochee will very likely be full. In late June it will be filled most of the weekdays, too. It was that way before the Elk and now there is more use. There was talk of expanding the Campground, etc. The Park Service still wants a second "Cades Cove.

There is a campground by the base of Fontana Dam.

I'm leaving Melbourne, FL right now. I'm going to skip Cataloochee because it may be full when I arive at 9 P.M. I plan to continue to Big Creek, but may have to push on to Cosby.

Have a good trip.”

“Cosby was nearly empty this past weekend.”

“You will be there to see the azaleas at peak. Great timing!

Expect about an hour to drive to twentymile. Be sure to check the road info page about closures before you go Daily report Be warned they haven't been very good about updates lately.

I can't tell you about 129 but going 28 it took me about an hour to reach Cherokee from twentymile. There is also some construction on 28 where they are taking it to 4 lanes. So between twentymile and 74 about half is 2 lane and half 4 lane and a quarter inbetween is under construction as of last November.

My guess would be that 28 is faster.”

“Have a good time NS, be safe on the road.”