Richland Balsam Overlook Blue Ridge Parkway
Experience the highest point on the Blue Ridge Parkway with breathtaking panoramic mountain views. A must-stop for scenic drives and nature lovers.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Richland Balsam Overlook Blue Ridge Parkway
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience the highest point on the Blue Ridge Parkway with breathtaking panoramic mountain views. A must-stop for scenic drives and nature lovers.
"At 6053 feet, the highest elevation on the Parkway has quite some breathtaking views to say the absolute very least."
Take the Right Fork
For a less steep climb to the summit, take the right fork of the trail. :athletic_shoe:
Check Weather Forecast
Conditions can change rapidly at this elevation. Be prepared for sun, rain, or fog. :cloud:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Highest Elevation Overlook
Blue Ridge Parkway
Stand at the highest point on the Blue Ridge Parkway, offering breathtaking panoramic mountain vistas.
Summit Trail Adventure
Richland Balsam Trail
Embark on a short but steep hike through a spruce-fir forest to reach the summit.
Panoramic Mountain Views
Overlook Parking Area
Enjoy expansive views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, especially stunning with lower clouds.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Trail Conditions & Views
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Take the Right Fork
For a less steep climb to the summit, take the right fork of the trail. :athletic_shoe:
Check Weather Forecast
Conditions can change rapidly at this elevation. Be prepared for sun, rain, or fog. :cloud:
Views from Parking Lot
Don't miss the views from the parking lot itself; some find them as good as the summit. :camerawithflash:
Be Prepared for Crowds
This popular spot can get busy, especially with car and bike enthusiasts. :car:
Tips
from all over the internet
Take the Right Fork
For a less steep climb to the summit, take the right fork of the trail. :athletic_shoe:
Check Weather Forecast
Conditions can change rapidly at this elevation. Be prepared for sun, rain, or fog. :cloud:
Views from Parking Lot
Don't miss the views from the parking lot itself; some find them as good as the summit. :camerawithflash:
Be Prepared for Crowds
This popular spot can get busy, especially with car and bike enthusiasts. :car:
No Restrooms Available
Plan accordingly as there are no facilities at this overlook. :toilet:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the breathtaking, expansive views from Richland Balsam Overlook, calling it a majestic blend of beauty and awe at the highest point on the Blue Ridge Parkway. However, some note the summit trail can be unkempt and steep, with the view from the parking lot being just as impressive for some.
"I have no words for this particular overlook. I visited on May 25, 2024, and I’m glad I did before a hurricane destroyed most of the road. At 6053 feet, the highest elevation on the Parkway has quite some breathtaking views to say the absolute very least, and placing a monument almost gives the lowest elevation a bad name, since it doesn’t have its own monument marker. Sure, Mount Mitchell may be even higher in elevation, but that’s not directly Blue Ridge Parkway. I’m quite surprised park rangers don’t frequent this overlook that much as literally everyone goes here. It’s almost like you’d need to start charging for admission!"
Andrew Hoffart
"Unkept trail. Better view from the parking lot. Take the right fork.
When we arrived, a couple was watering their dogs at the lone picnic table. They were helpful and suggested that we take the Right fork for a less steep climb to the top.
The trail is not very well kept. There are places where weeds grow into the middle of the trail. When you reach the top it is in a thick Grove of evergreen trees. There is no real view view just a sign that says that you have reached the summit.
This is, of course, easy for a regular hiker but a bit of a challenge if you're just out for an easy day hike. It has a good bit of steep and washed out trail for a short trek."
Tony Preston
"At 6,035', this is the highest elevation on the Blue Ridge Highway. You can experience grandeur like you haven't seen it from up there. It is a majestic blend of beauty and awe."
Brian Burzynski
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Richland Balsam Overlook is located directly on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Use milepost 431. It's accessible by car and is a popular stop for those driving the scenic route. 
The Blue Ridge Parkway is generally open year-round, but sections can close temporarily due to weather, especially in winter. Always check the official Blue Ridge Parkway website for current road conditions before your visit.
The closest towns with amenities are typically Balsam, NC, and Waynesville, NC, though they are a short drive from the overlook itself.
No, public transportation does not service the Blue Ridge Parkway or its overlooks. A personal vehicle is necessary.
Richland Balsam Overlook sits at an elevation of 6,053 feet (1,843 meters), making it the highest point on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no admission fee or ticket required to visit Richland Balsam Overlook. It is a public overlook along the Blue Ridge Parkway.
The overlook is accessible 24/7 as it is part of the Blue Ridge Parkway, which is an open road. However, daylight hours are best for enjoying the views.
Yes, there is a parking area available at the overlook. It can get crowded, especially during peak times.
Generally, there are no entrance fees for the Blue Ridge Parkway itself. However, some specific areas or facilities within national parks along the Parkway may have fees.
No, spots at the overlook cannot be reserved. It operates on a first-come, first-served basis.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can enjoy panoramic mountain views from the parking area, and for the more adventurous, hike the short trail to the summit of Richland Balsam. It's a great spot for photography and appreciating the vastness of the Blue Ridge Mountains. +1
The trail to the summit is short but can be steep and unkempt, with overgrown weeds in places. Some visitors recommend taking the right fork for an easier ascent.
No, there are no restrooms available at this overlook. Visitors should plan accordingly.
There is a single picnic table available, but it's often occupied. It's a good spot for a quick snack, but not ideal for a full picnic.
Expect breathtaking, expansive views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The scenery is particularly stunning when there are lower clouds, creating a dramatic effect.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones. The 'golden hour' can create magical shots.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive mountain vistas. A telephoto lens can be useful for isolating distant peaks. Don't forget a tripod for low-light conditions. :camerawithflash:
The main overlook parking area provides excellent panoramic views. The summit trail also offers unique perspectives through the trees.
Be mindful of other visitors, especially if they are taking photos with their vehicles or bikes. Also, be prepared for changing weather conditions that can affect visibility.
Drone usage is restricted in national parks and along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Check the National Park Service regulations for specific rules regarding drone operation. :drone:
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the summit trail is short, it can be steep and a bit overgrown, so keep a close eye on younger children. 🚗 Road Trippers & Scenic Drivers
📸 Photographers & Nature Lovers
Nature lovers can enjoy the short hike through the spruce-fir forest, experiencing a different facet of the Parkway's diverse ecosystems. Remember to check weather forecasts, as the changing conditions can create unique photographic opportunities. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Summit Trail Experience
However, for those willing to tackle it, the trail winds through a beautiful spruce-fir forest, offering a different kind of natural beauty compared to the open vistas.
A helpful tip from fellow travelers is to 'take the right fork' at the beginning of the trail, as this path is suggested to be less steep and more manageable. Key Takeaway: Be prepared for a moderately challenging, potentially overgrown trail, but the reward is reaching the highest point on the Parkway. Consider the right fork for an easier ascent.
Capturing the Views: Photography at Richland Balsam
The elevation of 6,053 feet provides a unique vantage point, offering 'grandeur like you haven't seen it from up there.' For the best shots, aim for the 'golden hour' – early mornings or late afternoons.
This is when the light is softest, casting a warm glow over the mountains and creating dramatic shadows. The presence of 'lower clouds at times' can add a mystical and awe-inspiring element to your photographs. Pro Tip: Bring a wide-angle lens to capture the full sweep of the landscape and a tripod for stability, especially if shooting during dawn or dusk. Be patient, as the weather can change quickly, offering fleeting moments of spectacular light.
Understanding the Parkway's Highest Point
While Mount Mitchell is a higher peak in the region, Richland Balsam's significance lies in its direct placement on the Blue Ridge Parkway, making it an easily accessible highlight for road-trippers.
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