Balds are mysterious treeless areas, high in the mountains. Some say ice storms, insects, dry wind, or fires cause them. These trails are rated moderate to strenuous.

• Andrews Bald
  • 3.6-mile round-trip trek on Forney Ridge Trail, begins at the upper end of Clingmans Dome. The first mile is very rocky, but the views are well worth this expedition.

• Gregory Bald
  • 9-mile round-trip, moderate hike, begins on Parson Branch Road, and is most noted for its Azaleas in full bloom in June.

• Silers Bald
  • Another moderate hike, 10 miles roundtrip, starts on Clingmans Dome Road, and features spectacular mountain vistas.

• Spence Field
  • An 11-mile round-trip, moderate hike, starts in the Cades Cove picnic area, and follows an old historic road through the woods.

• Thunderhead
  • A strenuous, 13 mile round-trip trail, also begins in the Cades Cove picnic area, and takes you along sections of the famed Appalachian Trail.