Trip report
Jun 18, 2020 — 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.