Balds in the Great Smoky Mountains are somewhat mysterious things. These treeless areas high in the mountains were described by naturalist Edwin Way Teale as, “pieces of prairie lifted thousands of feet into the air.”

But no one is quite sure how they came to exist in the Southern Appalachians. Biologists have many theories including speculating that ice storms, grazing, fire, wooly mammoths or Indian occupation could explain their origins.

There’s even an old Cherokee legend that states that the Great Spirit was so pleased with the people for slaying a monster that he cleared the highest mountains of trees so that enemies could always be seen.

Whatever their origin, the balds are rich with animal and plant life that can’t live in the surrounding forests. On Gregory Bald alone 175 species of plants have been identified, including some rare and endangered species.

For visitors to the Great Smokies they are wonderful, beautiful destinations that provide stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.

There are two types of balds…grassy balds and heath balds. Heath balds, also called “slicks,” consist of shrubs like rhododendron and mountain laurel and they appear to be stable. Grassy balds on the other hand appear to be closing in with trees. Around 20 grassy balds have been identified in the Smoky Mountains at an average elevation of 5,100 ft. Biologist have predicted that within a few decades all would be gone if natural succession was allowed to continue.

Because of this the National park Service decided to manage some grassy balds and keep them in the shape they were in when the Park was established in 1934. Trees are cut back from Andrews and Gregory Bald as they encroach upon the open areas.

Andrews Bald is the highest bald in the Smoky Mountains and the easiest to reach. From the Clingmans Dome parking area it’s a relatively easy two-mile hike along the Forney Ridge Trail. Silers Bald can also be reached from Clingmans Dome. It’s a four-mile hike west on the Appalachian Trail.

Gregory Bald can be approached from the Parson Branch Road and it’s a very popular area with hikers and botanists who come to the bald to view its amazing display of flame azaleas.

Other grassy balds in the Smokies include, Spence Field, Russell Field, Little Bald and Thunderhead.

Whichever bald(s) you may decide to visit you’ll undoubtedly fall in love with these uniquely peaceful and beautiful natural wonders of the Great Smokies.