- …
- Yak
- Quests
- South Beyond 6,000
- Richland Balsam
6,411 ft · Great Balsam Mountains, North Carolina
Richland Balsam
Richland Balsam is a 6,411 ft peak in the Great Balsam Mountains, North Carolina. The standard route is the Richland Balsam Self-Guiding Trail: 1 mi, 420 ft of gain, Class 1.
Richland Balsam at a glance
- Elevation6,411 ft1,954 m
- RouteRichland Balsam Self-Guiding TrailClass 1
- Distance1 mi420 ft gain
- Time1 – 3 hrsEasy effort
- SeasonApr – Nov
- RangeGreat Balsam MountainsNorth Carolina
Climbing the Richland Balsam Self-Guiding Trail
From Waynesville, take US 23/74 south to Balsam Gap and drive the Blue Ridge Parkway north to the Haywood-Jackson Overlook at milepost 431.0. The Richland Balsam Self-Guiding Trail is a Class 1 loop of about 1.5 miles through a thinned spruce-fir forest to the highest summit on the Parkway. The true top is the higher point about 50 feet north of the summit sign. The loop alone is under the SB6K minimum of 5 miles and 500 ft, so pair it with Reinhart Knob on the CMC loop from Beartrail Ridge (5.3 mi, 1,900 ft). Fog and wind are common, and this Parkway section closes in winter weather.
Gear and hazards
What to bring
Backpack (25–35 L)
Hiking Boots
Water
Offline Maps
Headlamp
Satellite Communicator
Whistle
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Sun Hat
Midlayer
Insulated Jacket
Hardshell Jacket
Warm Hat
Buff
Midweight Gloves
Trekking Poles
GPS Device
Power Bank
Water Filter
First-Aid Kit
Emergency Bivy
What to watch for
- Low visibility
- High winds
- Rapid weather shifts
Quests with Richland Balsam
South Beyond 6,000Peaks near Richland Balsam
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Richland Balsam?
Richland Balsam is 6,411 feet (1,954 m) tall. It is in the Great Balsam Mountains, North Carolina.
How does Richland Balsam rank among the South Beyond 6,000?
At 6,411 feet, Richland Balsam is the 10th highest of the 40 peaks of the South Beyond 6,000. The highest is Mount Mitchell.
How hard is it to hike Richland Balsam?
The Richland Balsam Self-Guiding Trail is Class 1, which means hiking on a trail. Yak rates the overall effort easy: 1 mile with 420 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to hike Richland Balsam?
Most people take 1 – 3 hours round trip on the Richland Balsam Self-Guiding Trail, covering 1 mile with 420 feet of elevation gain.
Can a beginner hike Richland Balsam?
Usually, if you are fit. The Richland Balsam Self-Guiding Trail is a common first summit for hikers ready for 1 – 3 hours on their feet. Bring layers, food and water, and check the weather before you start.
When is the best time to hike Richland Balsam?
The usual hiking window is April to November. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.
Climb Richland Balsam with Yak
Plan your route on a topo map, check the summit forecast, then log your climb and see what is left on your list