Balsam Mountain Preserve

Within the U.S. National Park System, “preserves” are areas generally set aside with little intent of hikers or other recreational activity pursuants from ever finding them. That’s the general idea at Balsam Mountain Preserve as well, but a small part of the development’s 4,400-acre property has been set aside for residential purposes and an Arnold Palmer golf course. The rest remains untouched for the betterment of the fauna wildlife living within the Great Smoky Mountains.

Palmer didn’t stretch the yardage too far for those tucked within this mountain paradise, but he probably didn’t need to. The downhill tee shots and surrounding penalty areas on this well-sloped property will enforce accuracy-before-distance. Many of the tee boxes at Balsam Mountain will offer views to die for, while the aforementioned fauna can probably make a killing by selling the lost balls they find in the woods at the turn.

If you don’t find the fairway but keep it outside of the woods, you’ll still need to contend with a litany of white sand bunkers, conveniently placed by Mr. Palmer.