Hemphill Bald Trail

From Polls Gap, the trail follows an old logging railroad grade for roughly 2.5 miles. It is a gentler start than the distance might suggest. Then the route climbs along the park boundary to Little Bald Knob, around 5,500 feet, descends to Pine Tree Gap at about 5,200 feet, and makes its final climb to the bald, also around 5,500 feet. The return follows the same corridor, so the full distance includes the walk back to Polls Gap.

The payoff is an open grassy field beside Cataloochee Ranch, with a broad horizon toward the Plott Balsams, Mount Pisgah, Max Patch, and Mount Mitchell. A summit sighting device honors the ranch founders and helps pick out distant peaks. Take a few minutes here: the view is the reason to keep going after the long, steady approach.

The lower grade is a trace of the 1930s logging work by Suncrest Lumber Company. Near Little Bald Knob, chestnut rail fencing installed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s was meant to keep cattle off land newly added to the park. In July, a trip report noted mayapple, snake root, and black cohosh along the route, with some black cohosh still blooming.

Park at Polls Gap on Heintooga Ridge Road; the trail starts from the right side of the lot. The road normally opens from May 15 through October 31, but snow, ice, or mud can force a closure. A parking tag is required when a vehicle stays longer than 15 minutes. Lot capacity, toilets, and drinking water at Polls Gap are unconfirmed, and no food service was found there or along the route. Bring what you need for a long day. Pets are not allowed on this trail except service animals; the park allows leashed pets only on the Gatlinburg and Oconaluftee River trails.