Richland Balsam Mountain in Pisgah National Forest, NC

Hike Richland Balsam Mountain Pisgah National Forest, NC

Class 1 1.5 miles 400 gain <1 hr Loop Jun 18, 2020
Effort
Beauty
Personality
Solitude

Richland Balsam Mountain GPX Track

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The loop hike leading to Richland Balsam Mountain is a short, lush, and beautiful interpretive trail off the Blue Ridge Parkway. The numbered (for the interpretive element) and well-maintained loop to Richland Balsam Mountain is a nice add-on hike to other stuff in the area. I recommend keeping right at the loop junction, since that's the direction of ascending numbers of the interpretive trail. The summit has no views, but there are some nice lookout points on the southern section of the loop into the gorgeous green/blue Blue Ridge Mountains.

PEAKS ON HIKE
Elevation (ft) / Prominence (ft)
Peaks on hike
Elevation
Prominence
1
Richland Balsam
6410 ft
3010 rise

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View from the trailhead.
View from the trailhead.
Starting along the Richland Balsam Mountain Trail.
Starting along the Richland Balsam Mountain Trail.
The start of the loop on the Richland Balsam Mountain Trail. I kept right, following the numbered interpretive trail signs.
The start of the loop on the Richland Balsam Mountain Trail. I kept right, following the numbered interpretive trail signs.
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Very pretty mosses and other vegetation.
Very pretty mosses and other vegetation.
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Approaching the summit of Richland Balsam Mountain.
Approaching the summit of Richland Balsam Mountain.
Richland Balsam Mountain. The trail continues ahead.
Richland Balsam Mountain. The trail continues ahead.
Continuing along the Richland Balsam Mountain Trail to do the full cute, little loop.
Continuing along the Richland Balsam Mountain Trail to do the full cute, little loop.
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One of the many interpretive trail markers.
One of the many interpretive trail markers.
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I know it's a very short hike to justify so many photos, but I really thought the mosses and lushness was unique.
I know it's a very short hike to justify so many photos, but I really thought the mosses and lushness was unique.
Image 14 from gallery
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Some nice views as I near the end of the loop.
Some nice views as I near the end of the loop.
Image 17 from gallery

Hire me or show me some love!

Hire/refer me as a web developer or send me a few bucks if you find my site useful. I’m not sponsored, so all fees are out-of-pocket and my time preparing trip reports is unpaid. I really appreciate it!