Cheoah Bald via Stecoah Gap

Believe it or not, this is the easiest route to Cheoah Bald. Hike southbound along the Appalachian Trail to the 5,062 ft summit of Cheoah Bald for stunning views to the southwest. Nestled in the Nantahala National Forest in North Carolina, Cheoah Bald is also the northern terminus for the Bartram Trail.

There's limited parking at Stecoah Gap. The trail begins on the same side of the road as the parking, up the steps next to the gated road. Switchbacking up the hill, the trail climbs 730 ft over the first mile before giving you a break, but several sections are much steeper along the way.

The next two miles will roll up and down, passing Simp Gap at 2 miles and arriving at Locust Cove Gap at 3.1 miles. Winter views abound but will disappear in summer. From here the trail is mostly uphill, ascending over 1500 ft to the summit, but again several sections are much steeper. At 5.3 miles you'll pass the intersection with the yellow-blazed Bartram Trail on the right. Ignore the mileage listed on the sign here, it's only another .2 miles to the top.

Just before arriving at the summit, 3 side trails branch off to the right, all connecting to the grassy bald so you can take them or ignore them. Arriving at Cheoah Bald, a large view opens to the right looking southwest. Walking out into the grassy field beyond the trees will give you an even better 180° view. Take a good long break here, because you still have a ways to go to backtrack to the parking lot. One of the steepest sections of this hike awaits you in the last two miles.