From the tranquil heights of Balsam down into the welcoming charm of Waynesville, our short but sweet drive along U.S. Route 74 packs in more scenic beauty and small-town character than you might expect from just seven miles of highway. We begin this stretch by merging onto eastbound U.S. 74 from the iconic Blue Ridge Parkway, just north of the tiny mountain community of Balsam — a perfect spot to breathe in crisp Appalachian air before descending toward civilization.
Almost immediately, we’re greeted by the gently winding roadway that hugs the rolling terrain of the Great Smoky Mountains’ southern edge. This part of U.S. 74 is a well-maintained four-lane divided highway, making for a smooth ride that still manages to offer glimpses of rustic woodlands, the occasional roadside creek, and distant ridge lines that seem to follow us as we roll downhill. It’s a short hop into the community of Hazelwood, a neighborhood that once stood on its own but is now a charming part of greater Waynesville. For travelers craving a quick break, Hazelwood is worth pulling off for a coffee or a stroll through its small cluster of local shops — don’t miss the chance to pop into the Hazelwood Soap Company or grab a pastry at one of the local bakeries.
As we continue east, the mountains open up just a bit more, offering fleeting peeks of Waynesville nestled in the valley ahead. The approach into town feels welcoming, with modest homes tucked along the hillsides and signs for roadside markets and country stores becoming more frequent. We finish our drive at the busy interchange with U.S. Route 276, which can take us deeper into the heart of Waynesville or on toward the scenic routes connecting to Lake Junaluska and beyond. Whether you’re just passing through or planning to linger, this quick jaunt down U.S. 74 shows off a slice of Western North Carolina that’s easy to love and even easier to revisit.
🗺️ Route Map
0 Comments