Andrews Bald is 1.8 miles in on the Forney Ridge Trail which starts at the Clingman's Dome parking area.

The bald is named for Andres Thompson, with a slight spelling change. He was born in 1823 and herded cattle up to the bald in the 1840's.

Thompson moved his family to the bald in 1850, went off to fight in the Civil War, and returned to live on this bald.

An interpretive sign explains that this bald and Gregory Bald near Cades Cove are being maintained as balds to favor grasses and native azaleas.

 

Biologists are unsure of the origins of the balds, but it is likely that livestock grazing preserved them.

Small spur trails near the sign lead to overlooks and views of Fontana Lake and Noland Creek Valley. If it's not foggy, these are some of the most spectacular views in the park.