The trail also provides access to Albright Grove, a patch of old growth hardwood forest that contains some of the oldest and tallest trees in the Smokies.

Maddron Bald is a narrow ridge descending northwestwardly from Inadu Knob, a 5,925-foot (1,806 m) summit situated along the crest of the Eastern Smokies near Old Black.

The Maddron Bald Trail was developed in the early 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps, which operated from a camp near the trailhead.

The trail begins its gradual ascent from a shady area along the park's northern boundary (several residences line the road opposite the trailhead), with the traffic of US-321 audible beyond the treeline.

Baxter's chicken coop, originally situated near the cabin, was moved to the Mountain Farm Museum at Oconaluftee, in North Carolina.

The Maddron Bald Trail continues southward, rising gradually along the slopes above the Indian Camp Creek valley.

Beyond Indian Camp Creek, the Maddron Bald Trail continues its ascent to the south toward Albright Grove.

After passing the Otter Creek Campsite, the Maddron Bald Trail begins a sharp ascent, at first to the north, but gradually winding its way westward up the south flank of the ridge.

At approximately 6 miles (9.7 km), the trail switches back to the east to ascend Maddron Bald's ridgecrest.

The thickets are interspersed with spruce trees, which are vestiges of the northern-style coniferous forest found in the park's higher elevations.