Big Bald Mountain - Appalachian Trail

Please join us for a pretty hike on the Appalachian Trail. We'll gradually ascend through (in the fall) a colorful maple and oak forest to reach the expansive summit of Big Bald. We’ll emerge from the forest on a lofty grassy bald at 5,516 feet, where we’ll have 360° views of the Appalachian Mountains of North Carolina and Tennessee. Although Big Bald is a tall peak itself, we’lll be dwarfed by the Black Mountains (southeast) and Great Smoky Mountains (southwest). We’ll also have clear views of the Roan Highlands, Great Craggy Mountains, Bald Mountains, and Newfound Mountains from the summit.

I’ll be hiking a moderate pace of around 35-min miles uphill and 25-min miles down hill. Want to hike faster? No problem. Just be prepared to navigate for yourself. Want to hike slower? I don’t mind waiting a few minutes each mile or two for us to re-group. Otherwise, you make sure you can navigate yourself to camp and come along with us!

Hike Level – Intermediate -- typically hiked at 30-35 minutes/mile uphill & 25 mins/mile downhill

Itinerary:
Saturday, November 15, 2025 9:30 am - meet at parking area at Sam's Gap just off of I-26 at the Tennessee border. We’ll depart at the AT Trailhead (mile marker 320.0 in Far Out) for camp at Bald Mountain Shelter (m.m. 327.7 ) 7.7 miles, 2,600’ AEGain & 700’ AELoss.

Sunday, November 16 – break camp and return via the same trail 7.7 miles, 700’ AEGain and 2,600’ AELoss.

Water:
Plan to carry the water you need for the 7.7-mile hike. We will have water to filter close by once we arrive to camp.

Disclaimers:

• Know your abilities. This is a moderate hike typically hiked at 30-35 minutes/mile uphill
• We do not wait at trail intersections. Be prepared by having a map (or map app) and studying the route. Each mile or two we tend to wait 3-5 minutes for folks to re-group, but we don't wait too much more than that. Be prepared to navigate yourself.
• Hike organizers are in no way responsible for you, your health, or safety. By attending this event you acknowledge that the organizers assume no liability for you or your gear.

Directions to parking:
In Google Maps type in “Appalachian Trail - Sams Gap.” The parking area is at 4460 Flag Pond Road, Mars Hill, NC 28754. The parking is at AT mile marker 320.

You can find a nice description & download a .gpx track here - Big Bald hike .
You can find more hike details & a trail profile here Big Bald AT Guide

We hope you’ll join us!