Richland Balsam Overlook

Highlights

•  Located at Mile Post 431.2 
•  Highest point on the Blue Ridge Parkway Motor Road 
•  Elevation of 6053 ft. 
•  Large parking area at overlook

The Local Scoop

Richland Balsam Overlook is a great place to stop in and stretch your legs after a long car ride and take in the views. It just so happens to be the highest point on the entire Blue Ridge Parkway Motor Road too! That would be the highest point on a roadway which is 469 miles in length. We recommend stopping at this overlook, located at Mile Post 431, for a picture in front of both the incredible view and the large sign located here signifying the relevance of this spot. We are partial to this section of the Parkway due to it's towering views from high elevations.

Local Directions

From Dillsboro/Sylva take US Hwy 74/23 (Great Smoky Mountains Expressway) East towards Waynesville/Asheville. From Exit 85 just outside of Sylva travel 9 miles to the Blue Ridge Parkway Access on the Left. Continue through the Parkway gates and up the hill for 0.5 mile to a split in the road. Go Left towards Asheville for 12.7 miles to the overlook and parking on your Right.