How to drive the paved road to Richland Balsam in North Carolina

Richland Balsam is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.845m (6,053 feet) above sea level, located in the U.S. state of North Carolina.

Where is Richland Balsam?

The pass is located on the boundary between Haywood and Jackson counties in the far southwest part of North Carolina, within the Nantahala National Forest.

What’s at the summit of Richland Balsam?

The overlook consists of a large parking area offering wide, panoramic views. At the parking there’s also a large sign welcoming visitors to the “Highest Elevation on the Blue Ridge Parkway Motor Road”, signifying the relevance of this spot. The summit is the highest point on the parkway, at milepost 431.

Is the road to Richland Balsam in NC paved?

The road to the summit is totally paved. It’s called Blue Ridge Parkway. The road is steep, hitting a 7% of maximum gradient through some of the ramps.

How long is the road to Richland Balsam in NC?

The pass is 30.57km (19 miles) long, running from Balsam (in Jackson County) to Beech Gap, on NC-215 road.

Is Richland Balsam in NC open year-round?

Set high in the Great Balsam Mountains, part of the Appalachian Mountains, access to the pass is typically open year-round. It is frequently closed for long periods during the winter season.