Grassy Ridge - Three Balds

This wasn't my first hike at Carver's Gap, although it would be the first time to hike all three balds in one day!  I knew this as going to be a test for me and I was hopefully ready!  lol!  I was very thankful to be accompanied by my friends Sherri & Roseann!!

Starting from the Carver's Gap parking lot, the hike begins with a series of wooden steps that led up to the summit of Round Bald. Due to the awesome views and the short distance, the summit can be quite crowded at times. The farther you walk, however, the less crowded it becomes.

Continuing northbound along the Appalachian Trail, we reached our next destination, Jane Bald. In between Round and Jane we lost and regained about 200 feet before reaching the 5807-foot summit of Jane Bald.

Partially overgrown by rhododendron, the bald area atop Jane is much smaller than its two neighbors.

Local legend has it that the peak received its name after a woman by the name of "Jane" died of milk sickness while crossing the mountain. Milk sickness is poisoning by milk from cows that have eaten white snakeroot.

Coming off Jane Bald we descended about 100 feet before beginning the final climb of almost 500 feet to the summit of Grassy Ridge Bald.

At roughly 1.9 miles the Appalachian Trail takes a turn towards the left. At this junction you'll see a side trail that continues straight ahead. This spur will lead you to the summit of Grassy Ridge Bald.

After a relatively stiff climb we reached the huge grassy meadows atop the peak. The panoramic views from the summit area are absolutely stunning.  You could see Grandfather, Beech and Sugar Mountains towards the east, and Mt. Mitchell and the Black Mountains towards the south.