Are dogs allowed on Big Bald?

Yes, dogs are allowed on Big Bald but must be kept on a leash at all times. Pack out waste and respect wildlife.

Do I need a permit to hike Big Bald?

No, Big Bald does not currently require a permit. Still check for seasonal closures or day-use fees with the managing agency before heading out.

How difficult is Big Bald?

Big Bald is rated expert. It is 14.3 miles long with 4,793 feet of elevation gain. Difficulty ratings reflect a combination of distance, elevation gain, and terrain — your experience will depend on your fitness level and trail conditions.

Is Big Bald suitable for kids?

Big Bald is not typically recommended for young children due to length, exposure, or technical terrain. Older kids with hiking experience may be fine — use your judgment based on your family's comfort level.

Status unknown — verify before visiting

We don't have current condition data for this trail. Check with the land manager before you go.

See North Carolina trail conditions

ExpertOut and Back

North Carolina

Big Bald

Burnsville, North Carolina

14.3 mi

Distance

4,793 ft

Elev. Gain

Out & Back

Route Type

Expert

Difficulty

About This Trail

Big Bald is a mountain on the border of Yancey County, North Carolina and Unicoi County, Tennessee. Located along the Appalachian Trail at an elevation of 5,516 feet (1,681 m), it is the highest peak in the Bald Mountains, which are part of the larger Blue Ridge Mountains subrange of the Appalachian Mountains.

Source: Wikipedia — text licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Verify trail conditions and seasonal closures with the managing agency before you go.

Trail Conditions

Unknown

We have no current condition data for this trail. Check with the operator before you go, and submit a report below if you've been recently.

No recent condition reports. Be the first to share what you see on the trail.

Elevation Profile

Min:994 ft

Max:1,681 ft

1,461 ft

Trail Details

Dogs on leash

Route Type: Out & Back
Surface: Dirt

Official sources & verification

We don't have curated agency sources for this trail in our cache yet. Outdoors is not the permitting authority — confirm conditions, permits, and access with the managing agency before you go. If you know who manages this trail, please tell us.

Reviews

No reviews yet

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Legacy import — verify before navigating

Path geometry came from our pre-launch legacy database. Routes have not yet been re-verified against the operator and may differ from the actual trail.