Hike to Andrews Bald in Great Smoky Mtn National Park

We joined the Jefferson County Hiking Club and made our first hike with them to Andrews Bald in the Great Smoky Mountains in the spring. We had been on this hike several times in the past by ourselves but on this hike, we were part of a group of 30 people. It is a beautiful hike near the Clingsman Dome area of the park which is the highest mountain peak in the Smoky Mountains. This particular hike is only about 2 miles in length (down) the mountain...but remember, you have to climb that same 2 miles back (up) that mountain. When you go in the spring in mid to late May, the Rhododendrens are in bloom which makes it even more beautiful with color. Once you've reached your destination, you are on a bald that is wide open to the sky. These "balds", which are really just grassy, wide open fields, were grazing areas for livestock in the early settler days. Once you arrive, you feel like you are on top of the world with views of Fontana Dam to the south and long range vistas of North Carolina to the east. It is so peaceful and quiet up there. It's nice to take a blanket and snack and lie back and enjoy the moment. But of course with 30 other people there was a lot of chatter and then we had to head back with the hiking club whenever the group decided to leave. The trail is a fairly short walk but very rocky. It has had a lot of traffic on it and has been worn down so water flows down it like a stream at times. It's nice to hike with a group as you get older just in case if you should fall or get sick you've got someone who can go for help. I hate to say that...it makes me feel that "age" thing creeping in on us. We always feel so alive after we go hiking and always enjoy the wonder of this beautiful earth that God created.