About
Length (round trip)3.6 mi
ShapeOut-and-Back
DifficultyModerate
Elevation gain900 ft up
Typical time2 hr 15 min
TrailheadForney Ridge trailhead, Kuwohi parking area
SurfaceRock steps then grassy bald
Best seasonApril to June for wildflowers, mid-October for fall colour. High elevations are cold and icy from November to March.
DogsNot allowed
AccessibilityTrail has steep sections, stairs, and narrow parts.
What you'll see 🌄 Big views🌼 Wildflowers

Overview Expect extreme crowding and limited parking-consider a shuttle or alternate hikes listed below Hike 3.6 miles (5.8 km) roundtrip in Great Smoky Mountains National Park descending through high-elevation, spruce-fir forest to a popular grassy bald known for its flowering azaleas in summer and views of the surrounding mountains. The trail is wide and graveled and descends many stairs before the first junction. It narrows to a well-trodden dirt path. The return hike to the trailhead involves a relatively strenuous climb, but hikers will enjoy the company of dark-eyed juncos and other high-elevation birds along the way. Length 3.6 miles (5.8 km) roundtrip Parking & Trailhead Please consider a shuttle or park at the Kuwohi (formerly Clingmans Dome) parking area (closed in winter). Forney Ridge Trailhead is on the left just before the visitor information center. Don't forget your parking tag . Nearest Restroom Pit toilets available seasonally at Kuwohi (formerly Clingmans Dome) parking area. Alternate Hikes Gregory Bald: 11.4 miles (18.3 km) roundtrip

Tips
Downhill on the way out and uphill on the way back, which catches people out. Peak flame azalea and rhododendron is mid to late June. Reached from the Kuwohi car park at the end of a seven-mile road.
Location

Forney Ridge trailhead, Kuwohi parking area

Other Hikers
No one has logged this trail yet.
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