Hooper Bald facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Hooper Bald |
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Hooper Bald in summer
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 1,655 m (5,430 ft) |
| Geography | |
| Location | Graham County, North Carolina, United States |
| Parent range | Unicoi Mountains Blue Ridge Mountains Appalachian Mountains |
| Climbing | |
| Easiest route | Hike |
Hooper Bald is a special kind of mountain top called a grassy bald. It's found in the Unicoi Mountain Range in North Carolina, United States. This beautiful spot is part of the Cheoah Ranger District within the Nantahala National Forest. The very top of Hooper Bald reaches an elevation of 5,429 feet (1,655 meters).
Contents
What is a Grassy Bald?
A grassy bald is a mountain peak or ridge that is covered mostly by grass and shrubs, not trees. These areas are quite unique in the Appalachian Mountains. Scientists are still studying exactly why these balds exist. Some think it might be because of strong winds, shallow soil, or even past human activities like grazing animals. Hooper Bald is a great example of one of these interesting natural features.
Discover Hooper Bald
Hooper Bald is located in Graham County, North Carolina. It's part of the larger Blue Ridge Mountains and Appalachian Mountains ranges. The area around Hooper Bald is known for its stunning natural beauty. It offers amazing views and a chance to explore the outdoors.
Hiking to the Top
You can reach the very top, or summit, of Hooper Bald by hiking the Hooper Bald Trail. This trail is about 0.5 miles long, which is a fairly easy and quick walk. The starting point, called the trailhead, and a parking area are conveniently located. You'll find them between mile markers 7 and 8 along the North Carolina side of the Cherohala Skyway. This scenic road makes it easy to access the trail for a fun adventure.
Explore Nearby Areas
If you enjoy Hooper Bald, there are other cool places to check out nearby:
- Other Appalachian Balds: Discover more unique grassy mountain tops.
- Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock Wilderness: A protected area with old-growth forests.
- Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest: Home to some of the oldest and largest trees in the eastern United States.
- Robbinsville, North Carolina: A small town close to Hooper Bald.
- Tellico Plains, Tennessee: Another nearby town, offering more local charm.
- Bob Stratton Bald: Another famous grassy bald in the region.
More Information
- Hooper Bald Trail: Find details about the hiking trail.
