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- Grassy Ridge Bald
6,194 ft · Roan Highlands, North Carolina
Grassy Ridge Bald
Grassy Ridge Bald is a 6,194 ft peak in the Roan Highlands, North Carolina. The standard route is the Appalachian Trail and Grassy Ridge Spur from Carvers Gap: 4 mi, 1,200 ft of gain, Class 1.
Grassy Ridge Bald at a glance
- Elevation6,194 ft1,887 m
- RouteAppalachian Trail and Grassy Ridge Spur from Carvers GapClass 1
- Distance4 mi1,200 ft gain
- Time3 – 5 hrsEasy effort
- SeasonYear‑round
- RangeRoan HighlandsNorth Carolina
Climbing the Appalachian Trail and Grassy Ridge Spur from Carvers Gap
From Bakersville, drive NC 261 about 14 miles to Carvers Gap on the state line, or TN 143 from Roan Mountain, Tennessee. Cross the road and hike the Appalachian Trail north over the open grass of Round Bald and Jane Bald. About 1.9 miles out, leave the AT where it bends left and follow the Class 1 spur straight up through rhododendron for half a mile to the bald summit and the Cornelius Rex Peake plaque. The balds are fully exposed to wind, summer lightning and fast fog, and winter brings ice. Arrive early; the small lot fills on weekends. Add Roan High Knob for SB6K credit.
Gear and hazards
What to bring
Backpack (25–35 L)
Hiking Boots
Water
Offline Maps
Headlamp
Satellite Communicator
Whistle
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Sun Hat
Midlayer
Insulated Jacket
Hardshell Jacket
Warm Hat
Buff
Midweight Gloves
Trekking Poles
GPS Device
Power Bank
Water Filter
First-Aid Kit
Emergency Bivy
What to watch for
- High winds
- Storms
- Low visibility
- Cold summit conditions
Quests with Grassy Ridge Bald
South Beyond 6,000Peaks near Grassy Ridge Bald
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Grassy Ridge Bald?
Grassy Ridge Bald is 6,194 feet (1,887 m) tall. It is in the Roan Highlands, North Carolina.
How does Grassy Ridge Bald rank among the South Beyond 6,000?
At 6,194 feet, Grassy Ridge Bald is the 24th highest of the 40 peaks of the South Beyond 6,000. The highest is Mount Mitchell.
How hard is it to hike Grassy Ridge Bald?
The Appalachian Trail and Grassy Ridge Spur from Carvers Gap is Class 1, which means hiking on a trail. Yak rates the overall effort easy: 4 miles with 1,200 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to hike Grassy Ridge Bald?
Most people take 3 – 5 hours round trip on the Appalachian Trail and Grassy Ridge Spur from Carvers Gap, covering 4 miles with 1,200 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.
Can a beginner hike Grassy Ridge Bald?
Usually, if you are fit. The Appalachian Trail and Grassy Ridge Spur from Carvers Gap is a common first summit for hikers ready for 3 – 5 hours on their feet. Bring layers, food and water, and check the weather before you start.
When is the best time to hike Grassy Ridge Bald?
Grassy Ridge Bald is open for hiking year-round. Conditions change with the seasons, so check the summit forecast before you go.
Climb Grassy Ridge Bald with Yak
Plan your route on a topo map, check the summit forecast, then log your climb and see what is left on your list