Black Balsam Knob via Art Loeb Trail

Haywood County, North Carolina

5.0/5

based on 9 reviews

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Distance

1.56 miles

Elevation Gain

305 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Alyssa Gregory

Pretty easy hike on the treeless balds gives beautiful views of surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains

The parking area for Black Balsam Knob is at mile marker 420.2 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. It's free to hike here.

Take the Art Loeb Trail a half mile until you reach the knob. Along the way you will be walking almost entirely on the bald which is a very pleasant experience. You feel like you're dancing through meadows and you can see the mountains all around you. There are a couple of large rock steps that I clumsily fell on and scraped my knees but the trail is pretty easy.

Make sure to bring sunscreen since you're not covered by trees most of the time. There's plenty of good flat areas to have a picnic near the top.

I've marked this as spring/summer/fall, but it could probably be done in winter as long as you check weather conditions.

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Black Balsam Knob via Art Loeb Trail Reviews

Explorer

Kelley Le

Explorer

Black Balsam Knob via Art Loeb Trail

11/03/17

I hiked up here on a pretty rainy and foggy day so sadly I didn't get to see the amazing views. However, it was still absolutely beautiful with the fog settling everywhere. I'll be going back soon, though, to catch the panoramic views.

5.0

Explorer

Christian Murillo

Explorer

Black Balsam Knob via Art Loeb Trail

07/03/17

This hike easily packs some of the best views in all of the Appalachians in such a short distance. The summit of Black Balsam Knob offers 360-degree panoramic views that go as far into the mountains as the eyes can see. Great spot to watch both sunrise and sunset. There are some great tent sites on the trail too, but you just have to hope your tent is sturdy enough in case winds pick up.

5.0

Lizzie Beatty

Black Balsam Knob via Art Loeb Trail

04/25/17

This has got to be one of my favorite hikes I've ever done! The view was utterly astounding! Our GPS didn't take us to the right place so just keep driving on the parkway until you hit 420 and you'll see a sign. The trial is narrow and uphill, but once you're at the top it's unbelievable. HIGHLY recommend if you're in the area

5.0

Leave No Trace

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

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Black Balsam Knob via Art Loeb Trail

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Black Balsam Knob via Art Loeb Trail Reviews

Leave No Trace

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Tennent Mountain

Sam Knob and Flat Laurel Creek Loop

Graveyard Fields-Black Balsam Knob Circuit

Explore Lower Falls at Graveyard Fields

Devil's Courthouse

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