In Haywood County, traveling along historic and scenic Rt 215 leads to the Mount Hardy Gap Entrance to the Blue Ridge Parkway, the most convenient access to Sam Knob. What a great way to arrive at this hike! The Mt. Hardy Gap Entrance places you at MP 423.2 only 3.2 miles from Sam Knob (MP 420). You will follow Fire Road 816 for about a mile where it ends at a parking lot. After parking, walk towards the end of the paved road to the dirt trail. The trailhead, one of the highest in Western North Carolina, is to your right.

A heads up here on the trailhead. The hiking books that we consulted along with the online sites evaluated this hike as moderate and it was. But, we weren’t looking for a narrow trailhead that started an immediate ascent. The trailhead adjoins Art Loeb Spur, a horse and hiking trail, immediately to the left of Sam Knob Trail. Art Loeb-another great hike for a different day.

Once you start your ascent, the adventure begins. The narrow trail takes you up through an alpine type forest with exotic grasses, raspberry, strawberry and blackberry bushes, and wonderful banks of wildflowers. Just when we were looking for a break in the action, we happened upon this spectacular rock formation where we could sit down and take in the view.

We skipped the last 50 feet to the summit because we hiked quite a ways along Art Loeb Spur by mistake. But, we still enjoyed some very expansive views and were pleased with our decision to hike along the trail to Sam Knob on the Blue Ridge.

With a 46 mile stretch of the Blue Ridge Parkway crossing Haywood County, the county boasts the highest and most natural elevations. Access to the parkway at 4 points throughout Haywood County provides the opportunity to complete your choice of 4 loop tours.

Maggie Valley Loop
If your time is limited, the Maggie Valley Loop can be completed in as little as an hour. To access the Maggie Valley entrance to the parkway at Milepost 455.7, Soco Gap, you will cruise through Maggie with its unique gift shops and craft stores highlighting the work of local artisans. Grab a homemade meal from a local restaurant. No chain restaurants here.

The Maggie Valley 19 Loop will take you past Waterrock Knob known for its spectacular sunsets and panoramic views. Along with a short but moderate hike to the crest of the knob, this stop along the Blue Ridge pleases both hikers and non-hikers alike. Exit at Balsam Gap, Milepost 443.1.

Waynesville 276 Loop
The Waynesville Loop includes the most views and hikes on the Haywood County section of the Blue Ridge. And with a short backtracking to Milepost 408.6, you can visit the Pisgah Inn not only a wonderful spot to enjoy a delicious meal but another panoramic vista. For hikers, from the Inn you are only minutes from the trail that takes you on a moderate hike to the top of Pisgah Mountain.

The drive to the Blue Ridge entrance takes you through historic downtown Waynesville, the county seat, founded in 1810. Plan to take a stroll down Main Street. Access the Waynesville Loop from 276 South at Milepost 412.2, Wagon Road Gap, and exit the Parkway at Balsam Gap, Milepost 443.1. This 30 mile ride along the Blue Ridge provides a number of scenic views and hikes. Keep your eyes peeled for Looking Glass Rock Overlook(MP 417), Graveyard Fields Overlook (MP 418.8), Sam Knob Trail(MP 420), Devil’s Courthouse Trail (MP 422.4) and Haywood-Jackson Overlook (MP 431).

Canton/Clyde 215 Loop
Begin this tour at the Mt. Hardy Gap Entrance at Milepost 423.2 off N.C. 215. Take note that N.C. 215 itself is a heritage scenic byway. Along this part of the parkway, you will not want to miss the Haywood-Jackson Overlook. This overlook adjoins the Haywood Balsam hike that takes you to the highest elevation overlook on the parkway at 6053′. This fairly easy hike goes from 6020′ to 6053′. Exit at Balsam Gap, Milepost 443.1.

Your route to Mt. Hardy Gap will take you through the historic town of Clyde which boasts the Shook House Museum. In downtown Canton, you will find some fun shops and restaurants to get a bite before you begin your ride.

Maggie Valley/Waynesville Loop
Beginning in Maggie Valley at the Soco Gap entrance at Milepost 455.7and exiting at Milepost 412.2, this is the longest loop and all inclusive of the others. You could easily make this a day long drive starting with breakfast in Maggie and a tour of a few of the shops.

Make stops at Waterrock Knob (Milepost 451) for a near 360 degree view, Haywood-Jackson Overlook (Milepost 431) for the highest elevation views, and end with the breath taking views of Looking Glass Rock Overlook. Complete your tour with lunch or dinner at a local restaurant in Waynesville.

J. Arthur’s rustic charm outside duplicated inside with a massive stone fireplace in the main dining room reinforces the fact that you are on vacation in the Great Smokies.

The hungry souls lining up outside J. Arthur’s in Maggie Valley for the early bird specials are indicative of the great meal ahead. We certainly were not disappointed. Daily from 5pm to 6pm, the restaurant offers an early bird menu with your choice of beef, chicken and seafood entrees. The special includes soup or salad, main course, a choice of one vegetable, dessert and a beverage.

Although the salad was uninspired, the mixed lettuce was crisp, cold and fresh and was topped by a delicious locally grown tomato wedge. Since we are always partial to a honey mustard dressing, we did not try their signature Gorgonzola dressing. The London Broil priced at $12.99 arrived a delicate pink as requested with a lovely and light mushroom glace. The fresh mixed vegetables were perfectly crisp tender and delicious. The Prime Rib, the $16.99 main course, done to a light pink was melt in your mouth tender. The baked potato was fresh and tasty with the typical butter and sour cream on the side. A pineapple bread pudding topped off the traditional meal perfectly. Just sweet enough with the fresh whipped cream topping.

The main dining room was comfortable. The atmosphere was family friendly with an electric train running around the base of the vaulted ceilings trimmed in wood timbers. Our server was courteous, attentive, and efficient. J. Arthur’s Early Bird Special was a great deal and certainly will be added to our list of favorites in Haywood County.