Grassy Ridge Bald, Mountain summit in the Roan Highlands, North Carolina.
Grassy Ridge Bald is a mountain summit in the Roan Highlands with an elevation of 6,189 feet and open meadows that offer sweeping views across the Appalachian range. The ridge connects several nearby peaks and provides a continuous walking path without tree cover overhead.
In the 19th and early 20th centuries, local farmers kept the treeless summits open through cattle grazing practices. These traditional grazing methods preserved the characteristic meadows that remain today.
The summit is part of the Appalachian Trail system, a celebrated hiking route that draws visitors from across the country. The open grasslands reflect how mountain communities shaped this landscape over generations.
The main trail starts from Carvers Gap and covers about 5 miles round trip, passing through two other nearby summits along the way. The exposed terrain means weather can change quickly, so bring layers and be prepared for wind at higher elevations.
Dense patches of rhododendron and flame azalea shrubs cover parts of the summit and form natural tunnels along the path. These plants burst into vivid bloom in June with bright pink and orange flowers, transforming the landscape for about a couple of weeks.
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