Sams Gap to Big Bald
Hike Number: 548
Area Location: Appalachian Trail
Trailhead Location: Sams Gap
Trailend Location: same
Hike Type: In and Out
Hiking Distance (miles): 13
Difficulty: Difficult
Elevation Range: 3,760 / 5,500
Total Elevation Gain: 3,100
Total Elevation Descent: 3,100
Route Map: .\Hiking\Maps\0548.pdf
Route Profile: .\Hiking\Profiles\0548.pdf
Download GPX track: .\Hiking\Download\0548.gpx
Trail Description: Follow AT north from Sams Gap to Big Bald, then reverse direction to start point. In Winter there may be snow on the ground and rime ice in the trees.:-)
Topos: Sams Gap
Special Features: 360* Panoramic View
Flower Season: May; early July
DriveHead: Westgate Shopping Center
Driving Distance(Miles-RT): 55
Driving Directions: I-26 W to NC exit 3; right, then left onto old US 23 to Sams Gap parking lot on left side.
Notes: See trilliums, etc in mid-May along AT, and fields of ragwort on Big Bald in early July.
This section of the AT frequently has rime ice in wintertime. Spring beauties, ramps and brook lettuce in April 07.
Hike History: A0701 cancelled, A0704