Hike to Grassy Ridge Bald in the Roan Highlands

Once you've parked at Carver's Gap (5500'), the trailhead is pretty easy to find. Simply cross the highway and jump onto the Appalachian Trail, right on the border of North Carolina and Tennessee. Head north on the AT as you head through the Roan Mountain Balds. In the very beginning of the hike, you'll pass through a forest until you reach the Balds, which are wide open, allowing for amazing views. Keep in mind that although the distance and elevation don't pose this as a difficult hike, the rockiness of the terrain make it a little tricky, so a good pair of hiking boots is recommended.

As you keep going on the AT, you'll come to a trail connection at around 2 miles, which will direct you toward the Grassy Ridge Bald. Keep an eye out for the blue blaze - a blaze is a rectangle of paint in a prominent place along a trail. White blazes that are rectangles which are 2 inches wide and 6 inches high symbolize the AT, while blue blazes represent offshoot trails from the AT. Once you reach Grassy Ridge (6200'), find the best place to set up camp.

If heading out on this trek during the winter, be sure to bring extra layers (especially windproof) as this area is really exposed.

Key Geo-Coordinates:

• AT junction with Grassy Ridge Bald Trail: 36.105442, -82.085388
• Grassy Ridge: 36.100037, -82.081215