Balsam Spring, Balsam Grove, NC

## Overview Balsam Spring is a cold, clear natural spring tucked into the high-elevation forests just above the Shining Rock Wilderness in the mountains of western North Carolina. Situated near the Blue Ridge Parkway at an elevation of roughly 5,800 feet, this spring sits in an area rich with exposed quartz rock — a hallmark of the Shining Rock geological formation that gives the nearby wilderness its name. The springwater is reported to be extremely cold and has a notably clean, crisp taste that visitors have long appreciated. The surrounding landscape of spruce-fir forest and rocky outcrops makes the short walk to the spring a scenic experience in its own right. The Shining Rock Wilderness, which the spring overlooks, is one of the most popular backcountry areas in the Southern Appalachians, and the exposed white quartz ledges visible from the ridgeline are a striking geological feature. Balsam Spring has served as a refreshing stop for hikers heading to or from Black Balsam Knob and the Art Loeb Trail for many years. ## Directions 1. From Asheville, head west (south) along the **Blue Ridge Parkway** toward mile marker 423. 2. At mile marker 423, look for the signed turn onto **Black Balsam Knob Road** (also known as Forest Road 816). 3. Turn left onto Black Balsam Knob Road and follow it to the end, where you'll find a parking area. 4. From the parking area, walk **east** a few hundred feet along an old roadbed/trail. The spring is located just off this path. **Note:** The Blue Ridge Parkway and Black Balsam Knob Road may be closed during winter months or during ice and snow storms. Check the National Park Service's Blue Ridge Parkway road status before making the trip, especially from late fall through early spring. ## What to Expect The spring is a short, easy walk from the Black Balsam Knob parking area along a wide old roadbed, making it accessible for most visitors. The water emerges cold and clear, and the area around the spring is studded with the white quartz rocks that define this part of the Blue Ridge. Visitors have reported that the water tastes exceptionally clean and refreshing, though as with any natural spring, water quality can vary and has not been independently tested or certified. The setting is spectacular — at this elevation, you're in a transitional zone between northern hardwood and spruce-fir forest, with sweeping views of the surrounding ridges. Many visitors combine a stop at the spring with a hike up Black Balsam Knob (6,214 ft), one of the most popular and photogenic summits along the Blue Ridge Parkway, or with longer treks into the Shining Rock Wilderness via the Art Loeb Trail. The area can be busy on weekends during peak season (late spring through fall), so arriving early is recommended to secure parking. In winter, access depends entirely on Parkway and road conditions — plan accordingly.