Section 2-3: Oconaluftee River to Balsam Gap South

Approximately 30 miles

Based on a request by the Blue Ridge Parkway staff, FMST has rerouted thirty miles of the trail to now follow US 441 out of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park through the Cherokee Reservation and then east on US 74 to the Blue Ridge Parkway at Balsam Gap South. Download a pdf of hiking directions. The map below depicts the new route.

The route is entirely on a four-lane road with a wide shoulder. Camping is available about half way through this section at Tuckaseegee Outfitters at 4909 Hwy 74, Whittier. Please contact them before you arrive.

Resupply is easy in this area as the route takes you through the small towns of Cherokee, Qualla, Dillsboro and Sylva. See the links below to learn more about amenities in this area.

Resources
Nantahala National Forest map

Jackson County Tourism http://www.mountainlovers.com/content_visInfo.asp
Town of Cherokee Chamber of Commerce http://www.cherokeesmokies.com/