Highlights
- Highest point on Blue Ridge Parkway 6053’ is near Richland Balsam 6410’, the highest eastern peak away from Mount Mitchell State Park and Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Routes
5 summits • 1.7 mi • 352 ft gain • 58 min • Class 1
1 summit • 3.0 mi • 289 ft gain • 1 hr 48 min
Latest summits
"Richland Balsam was the re-acclimation hike I needed as I got elevation sickness right before the peak, so I went back down a little way and rested before going on to the peak, where I sat as long as I could tolerate the elevation. Gina and I had the trail to ourselves. I let her decide whether to go back the way we came or complete the loop, and we were rewarded with a great overlook. Last time I went first to the overlook, so all the signs were facing the other way. This time we had all the signs facing us." — davidensley • Apr 20, 2023
"Hiked Richland Balsam Nature Trail Loop from Haywood-Jackson overlook. Danny reached the peak, but I got elevation sickness and turned back on ridge about 6270 feet above mean sea level before the trail got steep. Trail starts paved, then gravel, then soft dirt." — davidensley • Nov 9, 2020
"Short hike that starts off paved, then becomes dirt. There are numbered wooden signs along the way that correlate with a brochure you can pick up at the beginning of the trail. The Forrest is very peaceful and the fresh mountain air is very relaxing. However, the summit is quite uneventful and there are few views. " — ChrisM • Apr 24, 2018
"Summitted this one at least three times since 2007 but have decided to consider this date the "start" date of this challenge and not count prior summits - love this hike, incidentally - easy, but, typically, lots of flora. This day, heavy clouds for ethereal walk with dozens of types of mushrooms on hike up." — richard • Jul 31, 2011