There are so many outstanding views to be found in the Smokies, and the panorama seen from Hemphill Bald is exceptional. We will start at the Hemphill Bald Trailhead at Polls Gap off Heintooga Road. After 4.7 miles, we’ll reach The Bald itself and hope for clear skies to enjoy the views below. Continuing on Hemphill Bald, we’ll start a sharp descent to pass the Cataloochee Divide junction at Double Gap, make a sharp left turn to continue on the Hemphill Bald Trail until we reach the junction with the Caldwell Fork Trail. What goes down must come up. We’ll climb up Caldwell Fork to reach Rough Fork where we’ll continue the climb to return to the parking lot. Hike is 13.6 miles with an elevation gain of almost 3,000 ft., rated difficult due to the distance and the tough climb out. Meet at the Hemphill Bald Trailhead at 8:30am (from the Blue Ridge Parkway, follow signs toward Balsam Mountain Campground and park at Polls Gap).

Leader: Pat Watts

Leader contact information is included under Additional Information in the email you receive after registration.