GSMNP Kuwohi and Andrews Bald - Thu, Oct 22 2026

REGISTRATION REQUIRED: Once you've reviewed the event details, and decided you'd like to join us, you MUST sign up at the bottom of this page.



GSMNP Kuwohi and Andrews Bald


The Basics:
Event Type:Hike
Event Location: Kuwohi Parking Lot   Hike: GSMNP Kuwohi and Andrews Bald  National Weather Service Forecast
Date(s) & Time:Thu, Oct 22 2026  7:30 am >> Thu, Oct 22 2026 12:30 pm
Registration Opens: Wed, Jul 1 2026 7:10 pm
Registration Cut Off: Fri, Oct 16 2026 12:00 pm
Event Duration:5 Hours
Difficulty Rating:D4: Moderate to Difficult (Exploratory)
Distance:5.5 Miles
Pace:Moderate
Trip Leader(s):
Ann
Linda L
Email Trip Leader(s)
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Member Cost:None

Participant Info:
Who's Invited: Members Only, 21 And Older Only
Maximum Group Size:10
Minimum Group Size:2
Number Registered So Far: 3 / 0 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)
Are Dogs Permitted: No

Note: This is an "EXPLORATORY" trip. This means that there are parts of this trip, or perhaps the whole trip, that is new to your Trip Leader(s). However, they are confident that this will not be an issue.
This note is here so that you can make an informed decision. When a Trip Leader isn't personally familiar with a trip, there is an increased chance of things not going as planned and you need to be prepared. The Trip Leader may have additional details in the itinerary.

Itinerary:

This is the third of three fall color hikes scheduled for October 20th-22nd in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Each hike will be posted separately, and you may register for one, two, or three of these hikes. In addition, you may elect to stay overnight at the lodging of your choice. Trip leaders will be staying in Gatlinburg. Please contact us if you would like to stay at the same location and carpool. We will also plan dinners together during the trip.

This is the Kuwohi and Andrews Bald Trail in GSMNP.

Hiking pace around 2.5 mph overall.

Yes, we are starting early.  So bring your hot chocolate and we'll watch the sunrise and hang out for a bit (smiles galore) atop the Dome.  Afterwards, we'll head to the highest grassy bald in the GSMNP.  This is not a long hike as we want to allow you time to get back to ATL.  This is an in and out hike.  We will have fantastic views on the grassy bald of Fontana Lake.  

This is a low end D4 hike with a 1,500 elevation gain. If your trip leaders don't measure our elevation gain to 1500 we will reduce the D rating on this hike.  Please have recent and strong D3 or above experience to signup for this hike. If you do not have this experience, you will be moved to the waitlist.  Please send us screenshot of comparable hikes if you do not have the AOC hiking experience.

https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/north-carolina/andrews-bald-trail?u=i&sh=pebdiv

https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/north-carolina/clingmans-dome-observation-tower-trail?u=i&sh=pebdiv


Required Items to Bring:

Trail hiking shoes

Wear appropriate clothing with layers - since we are starting early, bring your puffy.

Water  1.5L / hydrating drinks/electrolytes

Lunch/Snacks (for the drive home)

GSMNP Parking Pass

Recommended Items to Bring:
Use our Event Checklists to make sure you have everything you need.

Hiking Poles

Hat/Sunglasses

Sunscreen

Poncho or Rain Jacket, in case of rain


How to Get There:
Event Directions:

 

https://maps.app.goo.gl/pWSctxAkAfB4eeXu6

 

 

 


Notes:

There is a bathroom.

Fee Information:

While there is no entrance fee, a paid parking tag is required for those who park for longer than 15 minutes. You may purchase a daily, weekly, or annual tag online or at the visitor center.


* We encourage all members to follow our Etiquette Guidelines while participating in AOC events.

Cost Includes:

 


Cancellation/Partial Attendance:   Please review the AOC cancellation policy.