The Balsams contain two designated wilderness areas along with some of the most recognized public lands in the Southern Appalachians, including the Shining Rock Wilderness Area, Cold Mountain, and Mount Pisgah. Approximately 42 miles of the Blue Ridge Parkway pass through the center of the focus area, attracting eco-tourists from around the world to enjoy the scenic beauty of the region.
Conservation
The Balsam Mountains are a biodiversity hotspot and critical wildlife corridor between the Nantahala National Forest and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Although much of the Southern Appalachian forests have been logged over the last century, the Balsams are home to nearly 3,000 acres of identified old growth forest.
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The Great Balsam Mountains have ten peaks exceeding 6,000 feet in elevation, including Black Balsam Knob (6,214 ft), Cold Mountain (6,030), and Shining Rock (6,000+ ft). The variety of elevations and pristine wilderness found here result in several highly-significant natural communities, including spruce-fir forest, mountain bogs and boulderfields. These mountains contain a wide diversity of endangered wildlife, fragile ecosystems and pristine headwater streams.
Recreation
Places for outdoor recreation in this area include the Cold Mountain Game Lands, Blue Ridge Parkway, Shining Rock Wilderness, and numerous trails in Pisgah National Forest. Richland Balsam is the site of the highest point on the Blue Ridge Parkway, which crosses over the mountain’s southwestern slope at 6,053 feet.
Stewardship
Our conservation efforts in this focus area protect water quality, particularly the Waynesville Watershed and headwaters of the Tuckaseegee River. Our Stewardship team is responsible for monitoring over 8,000 acres here protected by conservation easement!
Stories about the Balsams
