Balsam Gap facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Balsam Gap |
|
|---|---|
USGS Map of Balsam Gap
|
|
| Elevation | 3,316 ft (1,011 m) |
| Traversed by |   US 23 / US 74Blue Ridge Parkway |
| Location |  North Carolina United States |
| Range | Great Balsam Mountains |
| Coordinates | 35°26′02″N 83°04′40″W / 35.4339907°N 83.0776402°W |
| Topo map | USGS Hazelwood |
 Location in North Carolina
|
|
Balsam Gap is a mountain pass located in the U.S. state of North Carolina. A mountain pass is like a low point or a natural opening between mountains. It makes it easier to travel from one side of a mountain range to another. Balsam Gap is about 3,316 ft (1,011 m) high.
This gap is found between two important mountain ranges. To the northwest, you have the Plott Balsam Range. To the southeast, there are the Great Balsam Mountains. The gap also sits right on the border between Haywood and Jackson counties.
Contents
Balsam Gap: A Mountain Pass
Balsam Gap is a natural feature that helps people travel through the mountains. It's a key spot for roads and railways. Without gaps like this, crossing large mountain ranges would be much harder. It acts as a natural bridge for transportation.
Where is Balsam Gap?
Balsam Gap is located in the western part of North Carolina. It is specifically found in the Appalachian Mountains. The gap divides two counties: Haywood County and Jackson County. Both counties are in the beautiful mountain region of North Carolina.
What Crosses the Gap?
Several important routes use Balsam Gap to cross the mountains. These include a major highway, a scenic road, and a railway line. The gap is a busy hub for travel.
The Great Smoky Mountains Expressway
The Great Smoky Mountains Expressway (which includes parts of U.S. Route 23 and U.S. Route 74) passes through Balsam Gap. This expressway is a big road that helps cars and trucks travel east and west. It connects different towns and cities across the mountain landscape.
The Blue Ridge Parkway
The famous Blue Ridge Parkway also runs through Balsam Gap. This parkway is a very scenic road. It is known for its beautiful views and goes in a north-south direction. The Blue Ridge Parkway crosses over both the expressway and the railway line at the gap. Many tourists enjoy driving along this road.
The Railway Line
A railway line, once part of the Southern Railway, also uses Balsam Gap. This line is now owned by the Blue Ridge Southern Railroad. It helps move goods and materials across the mountains. The railway runs in an east-west direction, similar to the expressway.
How Did it Get its Name?
The name "Balsam Gap" comes from the Great Balsam Mountains. The gap is located within this mountain range. There are also small communities nearby that share the name. These include the unincorporated community of Balsam in Jackson County. Another nearby community is Saunook in Haywood County.
