We got up at daylight this morning to beat the crowds up to Clingmans Dome and also get to Andrew's Bald for lunch. This was a great day of hiking. It was a perfect dose of challenge and beauty. We even got to see some of the Park folks working on improving the Forney Ridge Trail towards Andrews Bald. What a neat "on the fly" civil engineer type job. Andrews Bald is one of only two balds in the Smokey's that the National Park Service keeps in the bald state (manages it so that it stays clear). The other bald still managed, which one day have on our to see list is Gregory's Bald in the western part of the Smokey's.
We start out at the parking area and then head up the short, steep asphalt paving to Clingmans Dome:
Clingmans Dome Bypass Trail and the Forney Ridge Trail (to Andrews Bald) take off here to the left; Clingmans Dome Trail goes straight up the mountain on the paved path. We went straight up the asphalt trail, then after Clingmans Dome, we went down the A.T. to the Clingmans Dome Bypass Trail, to Forney Ridge Trail, to Andrews Bald and then back Forney Ridge Trail to this trailhead.
People walking up/down loved Amy Grace's bear suit...they would comment "look they caught a bear cub in the woods" and the like. One lady even requested and took a picture of us.
One steep trail!
At the top on the Dome:
After we left the chilly top, we cut off the main paved trail onto the A.T. and went west towards Siler's Bald till we hit the Clingmans Dome Bypass Trail.
Nice break spot to catch some rays, enjoy the view, and change Amy Grace :) 
Amy Grace and I planning the route: 
Clingmans Dome Bypass Trail junction: 
Trail came down this rock face. We had to slide down the side of the rock to the bottom.
Intersection with Forney Ridge Trail....onward to Andrew's Bald! 
Leaving the forest and entering the bald:
Getting closer.....
We stopped and had lunch and an hour "play time" on the grassy slope! What a beautiful spot!
Leaving...back on the Forney Ridge Trail for the uphill climb back.
One pooped mama and baby bear!
Back to where we started the morning:
Trail came down this rock face. We had to slide down the side of the rock to the bottom.
Intersection with Forney Ridge Trail....onward to Andrew's Bald! 
Leaving the forest and entering the bald:
Getting closer.....
We stopped and had lunch and an hour "play time" on the grassy slope! What a beautiful spot!
Leaving...back on the Forney Ridge Trail for the uphill climb back.
One pooped mama and baby bear!
Back to where we started the morning:
Back at the campsite: 
Sun going down
Red beans, rice, sausage, onion, and toast for dinner
We watched Biggest Loser by the fire:
Tuckered out!
Sun going down
Red beans, rice, sausage, onion, and toast for dinner
We watched Biggest Loser by the fire:
Tuckered out!
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