Tanasee Bald

Tanasee Bald is a mountain summit in the Great Balsam Mountains, which form part of the Blue Ridge Mountains within the Appalachian range. The peak reaches approximately 5,561 feet and connects to a network of trails throughout the national forest.

Native American tribes inhabited and used the mountain and surrounding region for generations, leaving behind archaeological evidence of their presence. The arrival of European settlers transformed the landscape and eventually led to the establishment of the national forest that protects much of the area today.

The summit holds meaning in Cherokee folklore through stories of Jutaculla, a figure described as a giant who lived at the peak. These tales remain part of the local oral tradition today.

The mountain is most accessible from spring through fall when trails are in better condition and weather is more favorable for hiking. Multiple trailheads serve the area, so it helps to bring a map or plan your route in advance before heading out.

The summit marks one of the southernmost breeding locations for the northern saw-whet owl, a species typically found in Canadian forests. This unusual population makes the peak particularly noteworthy for bird watchers.