Forney Ridge Trail to Clingmans Dome Loop is a 4.5 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Bryson City, North Carolina that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as moderate. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from April until November.
November 8, 2020
October 24, 2020was soooo much better than the rush of people and crowd going up to clingman's dome. we also did a bit of the Appalachian trail
October 18, 2020Took the regular track up and then walked Appalachian trail to Forney trail down. It was a day after the rain so some parts pf Forney trail were wet and slippery. The trail os also pretty narrow and steep at places. Overall took about 45 mins from top to parking lot with 9year old kids. Overall, great views from both, Appalachia and Forney trail.
October 16, 2020Tracked while driving again, whoops
October 12, 2020Get to the parking lot early to get a parking spot and avoid the crowds as much as possible. Go up to the Dome first. The trail to the Bald is well maintained but rocky. The view from the Bald is beautiful. There is lots of room to sit and distance.
October 6, 2020Beautiful. Pines smelled great. Lots of traffic getting to the trailhead, but thinned our after that.
October 6, 2020Fun hike back in July. Made it to the top of Clingman’s Dome before the mist rolled in. Hiked in the area and the mists moved on as I drove down. Some stunning pull-outs to stop and take pictures on the way down the mountain. A baby bear popped it’s head up over the edge and one of the pull-outs.
October 4, 2020Nice, also for speeding up upwards.
September 26, 2020Foggy, so the views were nonexistent, but still a fun little hike with the family.
September 26, 2020The trail to the bald was pretty crowded, and unfortunately the bald was all clouds when we got there. Nice views above the clouds at the top of Clingmans Dome. Go early to try to beat the crowds and do the top of the Done first!
September 16, 2020It was a relief to escape the tourist hordes struggling up the paved trail to Clingmans Dome, and take the left turn onto the AT. The trail West along the ridge was delightful, and the sharp left onto the Fourney Ridge trail was well-marked, as was the whole thing. We passed several other parties on the trail but everyone was good about stepping off to keep social distance, and the groups were well spread out when enjoying lunch and the view at Andrews Bald. A great morning out on a really nice trail.
September 6, 2020August 19, 2020Stunning view, definitely worth the hike. Moderate foot traffic but surprisingly secluded in the meadow. Perfect place to rest and eat a snack or lunch.
July 27, 20207/26/20. Great, easy hike up to Mouse Falls with several swimming holes along the way. The midnight hole at 1.5 miles is beautiful but had about 75 people hanging out in a very small space aka COVID central. Recommend going past midnight hole to one of the many other swimming holes on the way up to the falls.
May 12, 2020November 6, 2019We hiked down this trail on our way down from Clingmans Dome and it was gorgeous! The views were amazing and the smell of the fir and spruce trees were wonderful. It smelled like Christmas!! It was rocky at some points but with care, it’s not a big deal. I highly recommend taking this trail at least either up to or from Clingmans Dome. The paved walk to Clingmans Dome is so bland.
October 19, 2019This is a good option if you want more than the half mile walk up to Clingmans Dome. Once you walk up to the dome, you can take the Appalachian Trail to the Clingmans Dome Bypass Trail and continue on to Andrew's Bald. We did this on a foggy day, but the trek to the bald was still worth it.
August 18, 2019Nice trail a bit of a challenge for beginners
June 16, 2019Nice trail with steps at the beginning, but a little unstable towards Andrews Bald. Great hike for beginners and young kids. If you stop at Andrews Bald, be prepared to be attacked by ticks in the grass.
June 16, 2019Nice trail with steps at the beginning, but a little unstable towards Andrews Bald. Great hike for beginners and young kids. If you stop at Andrews Bald, be prepared to be attacked by ticks in the grass.
June 15, 2019Be prepared for the elevation and also that you will already be challenged by thin air at that elevation. Easily doable for the healthy. Would not recommend for small children and dogs due to the rocks.
June 15, 2019Lots of stepping stones to help with elevation.
June 15, 2019Lots of stepping stones to help with elevation.
June 15, 2019Lots of stepping stones to help with elevation.
June 15, 2019Lots of stepping stones to help with elevation.
June 15, 2019Lots of stepping stones to help with elevation.
June 15, 2019Lots of stepping stones to help with elevation.
October 23, 2018
First to ReviewFrom parking lot at Clingmans Dome, take Forney Ridge Trail .1 mile to "T" in trail, take a right at sign, go .5 miles to AT. Then another right for .3 mile to Dome trail just a 100 foot or so from Dome base. I added a bit more at the AT by taking a left to go to Mt Buckley about a .1 mile west.
October 27, 2020
