Heintooga-Balsam Mountain Road
A 9-mile climb up Balsam Mountain to the Heintooga campground.
Plan Around Heintooga-Balsam Mountain Road
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Heintooga-Balsam Mountain Road Details
This loop tour from the Blue Ridge Parkway features a 9-mile climb up Balsam Mountain to the Heintooga campground and picnic area, plus the option of following the one-way, unpaved Balsam Mountain Road along the ridgeline to Round Bottom before descending to Cherokee via Big Cove Road. The road passes through second-growth forests and the Raven Fork basin, with rushing streams everywhere. Take at least an hour to do the drive, longer if you want to linger in the quiet wilderness. Note that the narrow and winding Balsam Mountain Road is closed in winter, but you can drive the paved road to Heintooga year-round.
Difficulty
Low
Distance
N/A
Estimated time
Region
Roads Less Traveled
Nearby Parks Around Heintooga-Balsam Mountain Road
Compare nearby parks around Heintooga-Balsam Mountain Road when deciding whether to expand the route after this stop.
Nearby Points of Interest Around Heintooga-Balsam Mountain Road
Use nearby POIs to quickly expand your options beyond Heintooga-Balsam Mountain Road while the map context is still fresh.
0.0 mi away
Heintooga Picnic Area
41 sites, no pavilion available, open 5/13-10/10
3.8 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
Balsam Mountain Trail
This well-graded path is accompanied by great views of some of the seldom-seen park landmarks.
5.6 mi away
Mingo Falls
Some of the most spectacular falls within the southern Appalachians.
5.7 mi away
Mingo Falls
The access trail is steep, consisting of 161 stone steps that lead to a wooden bridge.
