Balsam Mountain Trail
This well-graded path is accompanied by great views of some of the seldom-seen park landmarks.
Plan Around Balsam Mountain Trail
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Use this detail page to confirm that the stop is worth it, then carry that decision into a trip draft while the park context is still fresh.
Balsam Mountain Trail Details
Leading over the 5,310-foot summit of Balsam Mountain, this shady, dark trail experiences some gradual ascents through mixed hardwoods and over ledges once used for grazing cattle and other large livestock. Lined with green dogwood, serviceberry, and beech, the well-graded path is accompanied by great views of some of the seldom-seen park landmarks. The re-forested "Ledge" Bald, a good destination in and of itself, offers sights of the lush Straight Fork Valley, and Mount Hardison and Yonaguska, two beautiful, but seldom seen peaks. There is also a paved auto-road leading up the mountain.
Difficulty
Moderate
Distance
10 miles
Estimated time
7 hours
Region
N/A
Nearby Parks Around Balsam Mountain Trail
Compare nearby parks around Balsam Mountain Trail when deciding whether to expand the route after this stop.
Nearby Points of Interest Around Balsam Mountain Trail
Use nearby POIs to quickly expand your options beyond Balsam Mountain Trail while the map context is still fresh.
0.1 mi away
Balsam Mountain Campground
A tranquil, high-elevation retreat for campers seeking a true immersion in the Great Smoky Mountains.
3.9 mi away
Heintooga Picnic Area
41 sites, no pavilion available, open 5/13-10/10
3.9 mi away
Heintooga-Balsam Mountain Road
A 9-mile climb up Balsam Mountain to the Heintooga campground.
6.1 mi away
Mingo Falls
Some of the most spectacular falls within the southern Appalachians.
