Scenic Drives

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Appalachian Medley - Mountain Scenic Drives

This byway will engage your senses and recall the past. It has been appropriately named Mountain Medley for the rich history of the local music and the rise and fall of these beautiful hills – a melody of greatest proportions.

A point to access this byway is Exit 24 on I-40 near Lake Junaluska or Waynesville. Begin the route by traveling north along N.C. 209. After 1.3 miles you will cross the path of the Pigeon River. The river received its name because of the large flock of fowl that once lived along its banks. Within two miles after crossing the river you pass through Crabtree (elev. 2659’). Travel another 1/2 mile and the route from this point north is closely bound by the Pisgah National Forest. This forest extends throughout 12 counties and more than one million acres in North Carolina. Also, it is the birthplace of the scientific study of American forestry. Contact the U.S. Forest Service for further information.

The byway extends five miles north before veering right near Fines Creek. Named for a scout who was buried in its icy waters (his brother, awaiting the spring thaw, placed him there to preserve the body... but later was nowhere to be found). Less than four miles you will enter Betsey’s Gap (elev. 5895’) and then into Madison County. Hebo Mountain is south and Pug Knob is north.

With Luck comes Trust! The byway from this point north is escorted by Spring Creek. Luck, North Carolina is less than five miles up the road. Trust, a small community with a general store and cafe, is a mile and a half past Luck. Guests are welcome to stop in St. Jude’s Chapel of Hope, also at Trust. Following N.C. 209, the surrounding landscape opens into a picturesque valley. You will soon see Max Patch Mountain on your left. The Appalachian Trail hikes across the top of this mountain bald (elev.4629’). Travel a little over four miles and you have the option of stopping at the Rocky Bluff Recreation Area. Stop and use the picnic facilities, bathrooms, campsites, or hiking trails.

Hot Springs is 3.3 miles beyond the recreation area. Two scouts, Henry Reynolds and Thomas Morgan first discovered the springs here in 1778. Originally known as Warm Springs (changed to Hot Springs in 1886), it was a main stop for drovers that led cattle, hogs and horses to markets in South Carolina and Georgia. During this time, this area had a reputation of debauchery, drunkenness, murder and prostitution. A toll road with regular stagecoach traffic and private carriages slowly changed the character of these towns. The drover’s stands were converted to better accommodate a higher clientele seeking the healing waters of the springs. The history of this area also includes the first golf course in the southeast, the imprisonment of German merchants during World War I and the presence of the Appalachian Trail. Stop and enjoy Hot Springs or take a side trip on Paint Rock Road, which leads to the area’s best known landmark – a sheer rock cliff, which had appearances of painted humans and wild animals to early settlers.

Turn onto U.S. 25/70 and travel three miles outside of Hot Springs where the Appalachian Trail crosses the road byway of an overhead bridge. Follow U.S. 25/70 to Walnut, which was originally called Jewell Hill before it was incorporated in 1905. The byway ends here but you may continue south on your journey to Marshall. Here you can pick-up N.C. 251 and our French Broad Overview scenic byway.

Length: 45 miles
Driving Time: 1.5 hours
Counties: Haywood, Madison

courtesy of NC Department of Transportation

added: September 15, 2009

updated: September 25, 2009