Black Balsam Knob via Art Loeb Trail

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.

This adventure can be done year-round as long as you check the weather conditions in the winter.

CAMPING:
More wind-sheltered campsites are located closer the trailhead near the parking area. However, if the weather is pleasant or you don't midnd the wind, camping anywhere on Black Balsam Knob is permitted. Please note that if you camp in in the Shining Rock Wilderness, campfires are not permitted. Remember to bring your camp stove and always Leave No Trace. 

It can be 20 degrees cooler at the top as opposed to the valley, so bring appropriate layers.

POST ADVENTURE:

• Zillicoah Beer Company - located in nearby Woodfin, NC about an hour from the trailhead. This place has world-class Lager. 
• Malt Disney World (aka Sierra Nevada) in Mills River, NC also about an hour from the TH. The food here is great!
• Smoke on BBQ - This drive-thru BBQ is located right in the town at 585 S Caldwell St Brevard, NC.