Although far removed from the bustle of modern life, Balsam is a three hour drive or less from several urban areas, including Atlanta, Charlotte, Winston-Salem, Knoxville, Greenville/Spartanburg, and Tennessee's Tri-Cities.

Traveling north on the Parkway from Balsam, it is about 12 miles to the scenic road's highest point: 6,053 feet on the shoulder of Richland Balsam Mountain.

Within 35 miles of Balsam are Biltmore House and Gardens; Great Smoky Mountain National Park; the Cherokee Nation; the Pisgah and Nantahala National Forests; the Cradle of Forestry (site of the first forestry school in the United States); Shining Rock and Middle Prong Wilderness areas; and white water rafting on the Nantahala, French Broad and Tuckasegee rivers. Within 15 miles are the Great Smoky Mountain Railway; Western Carolina University and it's Mountain Heritage Center; and the Shops of Dillsboro, featuring the arts and crafts of many of the region's talented artisans.

Balsam is situated in Balsam Gap, a deep gap of the towering Great Balsam Mountains, one of the highest ranges in the entire Appalachian chain. Among the Great Balsam peaks are Richland Balsam (6,410 feet) and Waterrock Knob (6,292 feet.)

The unincorporated village of Balsam formerly was the home of the site of the highest-elevation rail depot east of the Rockies (the depot was moved in the 60's.) Balsam still marks the highest elevation - 3,314 feet - of any standard-gauge railroad in the East

Norfolk-Southern continues to haul freight through Balsam two or three times a day.

Milepost 443 of the Blue Ridge Parkway is located at Balsam Gap. From the gap it is 26 miles to the Parkway's southern terminus in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and another 30 miles to Gatlinburg, TN via Newfound Gap Road (US 441 North.) One can drive north from Balsam for nearly 550 miles on non-commercial roadways (the Parkway and Skyline Drive), traversing several national forests and the Shenandoah National Park.

There is always something to do in this area of North Carolina. From adventurous outdoor activities to shopping to gambling, everyone can find something to make their visit great.

Some highlights:

• Antique shopping within 3 ( yes three) miles.
• Two pottery artists within 4 miles.
• Our own local craftsmen and artists AT THE INN as presented by the "Arts in the Mountains"
• 400 mile trail that is a short walk from the inn
• Towns of Waynesville, Sylva, Dillsboro, Bryson City, and Cherokee within a short drive

Visit our Calendar to find out what is happening in the area.

For more information on Outdoor activities like golfing, hiking, and fishing, click here

Want to be entertained? Click here for info on gambling, local museums, and more!

Feeling artsy? Visit our arts and antiques page for more information on local galleries and antiques dealers.

Asheville Guide Book