Hemphill Bald from Polls Gap


Hike Number: 95

Area Location: Smoky Mountain National Park

Trailhead Location: Polls Gap

Trailend Location: Same

Hike Type: In and Out

Hiking Distance (miles): 9.5

Difficulty: Moderate

Elevation Range: 5,200 / 5,500

Total Elevation Gain: 1,600

Total Elevation Descent: 1,600

Route Map: .\Hiking\Maps\0095.pdf

Route Profile: .\Hiking\Profiles\0095.pdf

Download GPX track: .\Hiking\Download\0095.gpx

Trail Description: Trail starts at right side of Polls Gap parking area. Beginning with a stroll thru old-growth hardwood forests, the trail emerges into open fields stretching along the Great Smoky Mtns. National Park boundary..

Topos: Dellwood, Bunches Bald

Special Features: Mountain Views

Flower Season: Early June

DriveHead: Westgate Shopping Center

2nd Meeting Place: K-Mart, Waynesville

Driving Distance(Miles-RT): 95

Driving Directions: I-26 E to I-40 W to US 19 S to BRP S to Heintooga Road to Polls Gap.

Notes: Great views; good lunch spot at Hemphill Bald. Rock table and rock bench has built-in descriptive plaque featuring profile identification of surrounding peaks.

Hike History: A0502, A0503, A0703