ATLnature

ATLnature is your guide to Atlanta's trails and other rad nature stuff in the city. Live in the city but miss hiking on the weekends? Don’t have time (or a car!) for a trip to north Georgia? Did you know there are over 30 nature trails inside the perimeter of 285 alone?

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Richland Balsam Trail

Richland Balsam
January 27, 2018 by Shawn Taylor in parks

Since the elevation of this hike begins at 6020' and rises to 6410', the climate and ecosystem is very different here than in surrounding areas. The forests here are mainly Spruce and Fir (and very mossy), more similar to Canada than to the Southeast. There's no overlook view at the top, but the one at the trailhead is excellent.

Note: Portions of the Blue Ridge Parkway are often closed in winter due to weather conditions.

Address: Blue Ridge Pkwy, Canton, NC 28716
Cost of admission: None
Governance: NPS (Blue Ridge Parkway)
Approximate miles of trails: 1.5
Hours: Unknown
Miles from downtown Atlanta: 180
Parking: Parking is available at the trailhead/overlook
Trailhead(s): The trailhead is at the Haywood-Jackson Overlook on the Blue Ridge Parkway. This overlook is about a half a mile south of the highest point on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Trail surface: Initially paved, quickly becomes natural

Amenities:

  • Picnic area at the trailhead

Links:

  • Interpretive guide
  • Asheville Trails
  • eBird hotspot
September 30, 2017

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Good to combine with:

  • Lake Junaluska (post forthcoming)
January 27, 2018 /Shawn Taylor
north carolina 2017, waynesville
parks
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