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Sam Knob and Flat Laurel Creek Loop

Canton, North Carolina

4.9/5
based on 8 reviews

Details

Distance

3.84 miles

Elevation Gain

807 ft

Route Type

Loop

Description

Added by The Outbound Collective

This trail is a 3.2 mile loop. Two summits facing East and West for amazing sunrises and sunsets. Hike along waterfalls and swimming holes. Excellent wild brook trout fishing. Bag a 6000 footer. Great for star gazing from your campsite.

This is one of my favorite quick "getaway" loops in the Pisgah Ranger District. Turn onto Black Balsam Knob Road (Mile Marker 420 on the Blue Ridge Parkway) go until you reach a dead end and park at the parking lot. You'll see the Sam Knob trail to the right of the public bathrooms. From there, it's 1.8 miles to the summit of the 6050 foot Sam Knob.

I love setting up camp in the middle or closer to the western summit to see the sunset in the west and then have a quick walk from my tent in the morning for sunrise! Being up this high and far from town makes this a great spot for star gazing! When you wake up in the morning and get down to the base of Sam Knob make a right instead of crossing over the big field again to the parking lot. This will take you to Flat Laurel Creek. There will be a stream crossing, but you can do it the majority of the time without getting wet. Head left to go back to the car.

For the fly fishermen out there, be sure to pack some small dries for the beautiful wild brook trout found here. If it's hot, make a right on the trail for some excellent swimming holes and waterfalls to cool off in!

For a more lengthy trip, start at Flat Laurel Creek Trail head off Highway 215 right before the parkway and loop back around using the Mountains to Sea trail!

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Features

Camping
Fishing
Photography
Backpacking
Hiking
Dog Friendly
Easy Parking
Family Friendly
Forest
River
Romantic
Scenic
Waterfall
Wildflowers
Wildlife
Swimming Hole

Sam Knob and Flat Laurel Creek Loop Reviews

Pack light and enjoy the beauty! Flowers everywhere, great views, lots of rocks for kids to scramble over and great campsites.

Loved this solo hike. Got very wet feet on the Flat Laurel Creek trail.

I went solo, and it was perfect. Well maintained, moderate traffic, not too difficult of a hike and the views are fantastic! The creek is beautiful and peaceful also.

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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