Hiking Trails

3. Mountains-to-Sea Trail. From Sylva (Exit 85) drive East on US 23/74 for 8.9 miles turn left enter the Blue Ridge Parkway, proceed in direction of Asheville. Trail parallels Blue Ridge Parkway, enter trail at small sign just East of the intersection of US 23/74 and Balsam View Drive near the Balsam Ranger Station or at numerous overlooks along Parkway. 4. Richland Balsam. 1.5 mile loop to 6,410 ft summit, highest in Balsam Mountains and among loftiest in eastern US. Cool, refreshing hike through a remnant spruce-fir forest. From Sylva (Exit 85) drive East on US 23/74 for 8.9 miles turn left enter the Blue Ridge Parkway, proceed in direction of Asheville. At Milepost 431 turn left into Haywood-Jackson parking overlook. (If traveling West on Blue Ridge parkway, at Milepost 431 turn right into Haywood-Jackson parking overlook.) Trail begins at left rear corner of parking lot and is paved at start. 5. Devils Courthouse. 0.8 mi, round trip, paved but steep trail to top of rock promontory with spectacular panoramic view. From Sylva (Exit 85) drive East on US 23/74 for 8.9 miles, turn left enter the Blue Ridge Parkway, proceed in direction of Asheville. Drive 0.6 miles past Milepost 423, turn right into Devils Courthouse parking overlook. (If traveling West on Blue Ridge Parkway, drive 0.4 miles past Milepost 422, turn left into Devils Courthouse parking overlook.) Take sidewalk to the East along Parkway, and turn right into woods just before tunnel. Trail is paved at start.