Local Spots | Parkway Colors

Recommendations

Below you'll find our personal favorites of the many things you can do along the Parkway, from picnic spots and hikes, to local eats

Coming this May, a new Guided Trips and Adventure page, linking you with our most trusted guides and experts in the region

Black Balsam Knob

For those seeking 360 views this is your hike. Parking is the worst part, arrive before 10am. A moderate 15 - 30 min hike to the top.

Directions

Devil's Courthouse

Easier than Black Balsam Knob. Park at the overlook and walk along the paved trail to the top. Easy difficulty and perfect hike for a great view under 45 minutes, car to peak and back.

Directions

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WaterRock Knob

Similar to Devi's Courthouse in that you'll park at the overlook and hike up a mostly paved trail, however this is more strenuous and time consuming but a better view. In addition the parking area houses the Visitor Center with restrooms, coffee, and crackers (not many snacks but there is something).

Directions

Richland Balsam Loop

For those who love the smell of fir trees, this is your hike. A short 1 mile hike that climbs to the peak of Richland Balsam (one of the highest points along the Parkway at 6410'). There is no view but this is a great hike for immersion and also moss lovers, so much fun and easy difficulty.

Directions

Barber Orchards

The best apples, apple cider, and apple desserts around. We typically stop by BEFORE going to the Parkway and make a picnic out of the fresh apples, turnovers, hot apple cider, and slushies. Highly recommend.

Directions

Haywood Smokehouse

Some of the best BBQ around west of Asheville, located in Hazelwood (Waynesville), with easy access from the Highway. Stop in after a fun Parkway trip or grab some to go on your way home.

Directions

WaterRock Knob

No shade here but one of the best picnic spots on the Parkway, designated, with bathrooms nearby and the Visitor Center if you want some hot coffee or crackers (not many snack options). There are three tables, however plenty of space to lay a blanket or drop the tailgate, event space to run around and walk the dog. Check out the hike too!

Directions

Haywood/Jackson Overlook

An overlook with a ton of grass space to run around, although its nearby the road, we feel plenty safe with our family. The Richland Balsam hike is at this location. One picnic table is available, no restrooms, and plenty of blanket space to have a picnic.

Skinny Dip Falls

Over-populated but still worth a trip during the mid week to avoid crowds. Park at the overlook and walk across the road, a short hike through the woods brings you upon Yellowstone Prong, one of the highest streams in the Eastern US (crystal clear and cold). Not much sun at this location. There is not really a hole to jump into anymore post TS Fred, however it's still worth a trip to splash and swim around the cold headwaters.

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Sliding Rock - Pisgah

Another extremely popular spot, but if you get there before noon you can avoid the worst crowds. Parking $5/vehicle and there is a lifeguard and handrails at the pool. It does not hurt going down the natural slide and the pool is roughly 6 - 8' deep at the bottom.

Directions