High Altitude Hikes #2 - Clingman's Dome and Andrew's Bald

June 14th was clear and crisp after the night's rain storm.  Any dust had been rinsed from the air with the rain and incoming cool front so we headed into the Smoky Mountain National Park for a hike.  Our goal today was not Clingman's Dome but the bright sky and clear air changed our minds.  It is not often you have such a perfect day for the 6684 foot peak and the highest point on the Appalachian trail.  

It seems everyone had the same idea as the parking lot overflowed and cars were parked a half mile down the road.  The 1/2 mile hike to the observation tower was crowded and we often needed to stop for groups taking photos.

We returned on the 'road less traveled' by taking part of the Appalachian Trail which lead to several other trails and the eventual trip to Andrew's Bald.  Bald because there are no trees due to grazing animals.  The history of balds in the park is curious, originally the area was grazed by deer and livestock; however, when the park service accepted management of the land in the 1930s the livestock and many grazing animals were removed.  Guess what?  The balds disappeared.  So, grazing animals were re-introduced and we once again have balds.

Andrew's Bald

The trail to the bald has had multiple improvements.  Along the path I considered the tremendous amount of work to build and maintain the wooden walkways and stone stairs.

The improved trails appear in many locations.

And several miles from the trail head.

 Although the Park Service provide us with safe dry paths sometimes you simply must hike the stream bed.

Along with the magnificent vistas you find micro-communities growing on downed trees.  Below is the beginning of a new forest.

Micro-community

Should you find yourself in the Smoky Mountain National Park on a clear sunny day the make it a point to visit and hike Clingman's Dome.  You will not be disappointed.