Balds are mountaintop meadows that are created naturally by fire in most cases, whereafter tree regrowth was prevented due to the grazing of large herbivores, such as deer, elk and bison, the lack of topsoil, or under the constant maintenance of Park Rangers. Andrews Bald is one of several in the park, all of which are known for their scenic views (remember, NO trees!) and their wildflowers in spring and early summer. Andrews Bald is the easiest of the balds to reach by trail, being only one and eight-tenths of a mile from Clingman's Dome and its parking lot one-way.
