Big Bald from Sams Gap

Pisgah National Forest, NC Smokies + Southern Blue Ridge Mountains

Trip stats

Distance
12.8 mi
Net Gain
3,800 ft
Time
5-7 hrs
YDS Rating
Class 1
Route
Out/Back
Peaks
2

Ratings out of 10

Effort
5.2/10
Personality
5/10
Beauty
7/10
Solitude
1.6/10
What do these mean? →

Peaks on this hike

Summits listed in route order

  1. West Street Gap Peak
    4,440′ elevation · 320′ prominence
  2. Big Bald
    5,516′ elevation · 2,556′ prominence

Route map + Trailhead

Trailhead Coordinates

35.952620, -82.561010

The directions link below drops a pin on the trailhead coordinates and lets Google Maps pick the route. If the drive has rough roads or access issues that GPS nav might get wrong, I cover that in my trip report.

Get directions (opens Google Maps in a new tab)

Trip report

Jun 20, 2020 — Big Bald from Sams Gap is a popular hike along the Appalachian Trail. Another route coming from the east along the AT is possible, but I figured I'd do the more standard approach. From the trailhead, the AT climbs slowly toward Big Bald. There was an unexpected surprise meadow before West Street Gap Peak, a minor summit along the way. The meadow offered me the only views for the day since the Big Bald summit was foggy for me, unfortuantely.

From West Street Gap Peak, the AT descends to an ATV road before starting the long haul to Big Bald. The last mile gets steeper, more lush, and slightly less well-maintained, but it's still very easy to stay on the trail.

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Photos

27 photos

  1. Starting from the Sams Gap Trailhead. You can see I-26 on the right and cars at the trailhead in the center.
  3. Forested trail for a while.
  6. Ascending slowly to West Street Gap Peak.
  7. Meadows just past West Street Gap Peak. Big Bald visible in the clouds ahead.
  9. I loved this little section of meadow, especially because it would be the only views I'd see. Big Bald was covered in fog when I got there.
  10. After passing an ATV road at Street Gap.
  11. The slow ascent to Big Bald.
  12. Looking back along the Appalachian Trail, heading to Big Bald.
  14. The trail gets a little steeper as it ascends.
  17. Although easy to follow, the trail that started out being wide and well-maintained became slightly more overgrown.
  20. Meadows before Big Bald.
  21. Pretty meadows on Big Bald, despite the fog.
  26. Big Bald summit.
  27. My meager view to the east from the summit of Big Bald.

Photo 1 of 1

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Hire or refer me as a web developer, or send me a few bucks if you find my site useful. I'm not sponsored, so it's funded by yours truly. It also takes a ton of work to edit photos and write these reports. I really appreciate it!

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GPX track

Big Bald from Sams Gap GPX route and driving track

The complete GPX track is available to download, so you can load the route straight into your navigation app or device. The trip report, route info, photos and planning details stay free.

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