Richland Balsam

The Richland Balsam rises to the height of 6540 feet, just a 150 feet less than Mr. Mitchell, and is closely associated with more than a dozen peaks of 6000 fee or over.

Leaving Asheville, (6:15 AM) follow N.C. #10, West, 34 miles to Hazelwood, which is two miles beyond Waynesville; turn left at Allen Creek, over good dirt road four miles to Quinland. (3000 feet elevation.) Park cars. (7:45 AM)

Hike road East about three-fourths mile ; cross Allen Creek and enter gate to the right onto the Waynesville watershed. Follow little used road about 200 yards, turn sharply to the left straight up ridge, over an old trail to top of ridge. Here you encounter wire fence, which is the boundary of the watershed. Follow fence up snaggy ridge to summit. Approximately two hours and four miles have been consumed. (9:45 AM)

Both trail and fence turn to right and approach Cold Spring Knob, (6010 ft) less than a mile away. From this knob a splendid view of Pisgah, Pigeon River Valley and surrounding mountains may be had. (10:15 AM)

Continue to follow fence SSW into Double Spring Gap, where water can be had by passing over fence into the watershed a distance of 200 yards.

Keep following fence just as long as the trail stays with fence. Then the trail leads south to the crest of ridge. (11:45 AM) More perfect views. Follow ridge SW thru small gap and onto the Richland (12:30 PM) Lunch and feast your eyes. Unobstructed views from here are limited only by the elements. You may see the Mt. Mitchell range, Cowee Mountains, Blue Ridge beyond Franklin, much of the Smoky Mountains, etc.

To complete the circle, do not follow the ridge leading NW as trail there has been obliterated, but drop down to the western side of this ridge until a splendid trail is encountered. Good water crosses trail. Follow trail NW by Lone Bald and on to Cany Fork Bald, which is about one and a half hours from Richland Balsam. As you approach Cany Fork, views of the beautiful Cowee Range may be had. Follow fence to gate, passing thru continue straight ahead in a northerly direction. This trail leads down fro four miles to cars. We arrived at five o'clock.

Some dozen and a half grouse, a snipe, bear signs, ravens, large hawks and small birds were observed along the way. This hike in many respects remind[s] one of the Smoky Mountains. Fifteen hikers including four ladies made the trip on Nov. 22, 1931. O.C. Barker, Leader." From notes of the Carolina Mountain Club, George Masa Papers [UNCA]