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 Reporter |
Summary: This hike may should be rated more on the strenuous side for the elevation and miles if you choose to do the loop.Begin the hike on the Gregory Ridge Trail and follow this trail for 4.9 miles before connecting to the Gregory Bald Trail. Turn right and 6/10 of a mile you will enter the Gregory Bald area.This peak offers many photo opportunities during the year,mid June for Azaleas, late August for blueberries and bears and October for fall colors.A great table with a view for lunch is on the North side overlooking Cades Cove or for a more private spot, find the benchmark and near it is a trio of trees providing shade and a cool lunch spot.If you want to make this hike a loop continue on the trail past the benchmark and your rapid descent begins to Sheep Pen Gap and Campsite 12.At the intersection turn right and continue 4 mi to Parsons Branch Road.At the road turn right and follow this one lane road that is now closed,follow it back to Forge Creek Rd and trailhead. Trailhead: Preferred route: I-40 (Knoxville) to 140 East to 129 South follow signs to 411N/321N then continue on 321N to 73 East and you will enter the GSMNP. 7 miles to the Cades Cove,drive to the visitor's center in the Cades Cove Loop. Take the Forge Creek Rd and park at the Gregory Ridge Trailhead. (Lat:35.56242 Lon:-83.84614) Trail Guides for Gregory Bald: Day Hikes in GSMNP by Johnny Molloy () Day & Overnight hikes in GSMNP by Johhny Malloy (Menasha Ridge Press) Best Seasons: Year-Round User Groups: Hikers, Horses, Ranger Contact: Cades Cove Ranger 865-436-1200 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Bobby Trotter, who has posted 74 other hikes on this site Trail Reviews Page 1 of 2 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Mark on 7/21/2009 GREGORY BALD IS A GREAT PLACE TO SPEND TWO NIGHTS. CONSIDER GOING UP THE "BACK WAY" FROM 20 MILE RANGER STATION.
Reviewed by tracekins on 7/7/2009 as far as wildflower hikes go,this is one of the best! 
Reviewed by MJ on 6/22/2009 Did this hike on 6/20/09. GORGEOUS day for this hike, although it was very humid. Hiked up via Gregory Ridge Trail, and it is a pretty trail. After the campsite, it's true, totally uphill, but once you get to the Bald, your efforts are well worth it! I was in awe of the panoramic views, the beautiful flame azalea, and how clear it was. This is one of my favorite hikes!! It is a challenging hike, but definately worth every bit! 
Reviewed by Dale on 3/6/2009 I hiked this trail on 3/6/09 from the parking area at the Cades Cove loop making a 15+ mile round trip. When I got to the Bald it was so foggy I could only see about 50 yards. The wind was howling and it was starting to rain. The last couple miles of trail were snow covered and the last half mile had been trodden by someone on horseback, making the trail a mixture of snow and mud. This was my first time on the Cades Cove loop and I can't imagine how bad it must be on a weekend or summer day. Although there are deer everywhere, people stop and look at them like they are something unusual. I imagine this is as close as many of those folks ever get to really encountering nature. Anyway, I'll try the Bald again another day.
Reviewed by Bonnie on 9/29/2008 My husband Ken and I hiked the Gregory Bald trail starting at the Parson's Branch trailhead. We started out at 10:30 am. The day was our anniversary and this is how we celebrated it. We hike the trails in the Smokies whenever we can get there and it has been a few years since our last hike. It is a steady incline and for about the first hour we did fine. After that the inlcine increased and we got winded faster requiring more frequent rest stops and water. It took us about 4 hours ten minutes to reach the bald and it is worth it. Take your lunch and something plastic to sit on (grocery bags) and enjoy the view. Coming down is much easier! Saw deer - no bears.
Reviewed by Johnno on 9/3/2008 I've been going to the Smokies every year all my life, and even went to Gregory Bald once on a cloudy August day in 2002. I saw nothing, so I visited again in June 2008 to witness the heralded azaleas. I'll just say that it's my new favorite place. It has everything you could ask for: 360 degree panoramic views of the park, overlooks Cades Cove, wildlife you don't see on the busy trails (bears, deer, wild hogs) the breathtaking and diverse azalea display, and solitude. It truly is a must see for nature enthusiasts!
Reviewed by Viewer on 1/28/2008 I hiked the Gregory Ridge trail and spent 3 nights backpacking around Gregory Bald 2 summers ago. This is a truly spectacular place. The trail
Reviewed by Mike on 1/16/2008 Did this hike in late June '07, and caught the flame azaleas only slightly past peak. Still outstanding. The view ove Cade's Cove is breathtaking. The first two miles are wonderful, a gentle trail along Forge Creek. Past campsite 12 it gets pretty steep, but be patient, rest a lot, and drink lots of water. Stop and eat a little snack about halfway up and get re-charged. It's well worth the trip. Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: Tennessee Hiking, Tennessee Trails, Tennessee Hikes, Blount County Hiking, Blount County Trails, Blount County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||