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Oct 11, 2018 · Black Balsam Knob: the hike. The adventure begins at the Art Loeb Trailhead, located just off the Blue Ridge Parkway at milepost 420 (view maps and driving directions). The hike ventures northbound from the road, trekking through tall grasses and diving into a grove of balsam fir.
- Overview
- Hiking Trails
- Map
- Places to Stay
- Directions
Note September 2020: Visiting Black Balsam is not advised at this time due to over-use especially on weekends Spring thru Fall. This has resulted in unsanitary conditions and resource damage, and an inability to take proper precautions during the pandemic. The Black Balsam area includes some of the most spectacular mountain balds in the Southern Ap...
Hike to Black Balsam Knob
The hike to the summit of 6214 ft Black Balsam Knob is via the Art Loebtrail, 0.7 mi from the Blue Ridge Parkway on Black Balsam Road (FS 816). There is a sizable parking area for the trail along the road, but the hike is so popular that the parking often overflows on weekend and summer days. Arrive early for the best chance at finding a parking spot, and to be off the mountain by the time the inevitable summer thunderstorms form over the peak. You will not be alone on this hike. Take the Art...
Hike to Sam Knob
An alternative to Black Balsam Knob is the nearby summit of Sam Knob, a bit longer hike but with more varied scenery. The quickest way to Sam Knob is from the parking area at the end of Black Balsam Road, 1.3 mi from the Blue Ridge Parkway turn-off. That's the Sam Knob Hikeand one of the best in the region - better than Black Balsam, in our opinion! You can also lengthen the hike to Sam Knob and make it a partial loop with the Flat Laurel Creek Hike, for a total of about 3.7 miles of hiking.
Hike to Shining Rock
From the end-of-the-road parking area, the Ivestor Gap trail skirts Black Balsam Knob and makes the fastest way to reach the Shining Rock Wilderness boundary and Shining Rock itself, after a mostly level hike of just under 5 miles one-way. You can also take the Art Loeb trail across Black Balsam Knob for a more scenic route (but with more ups-and-downs). Combine them for a great loop hike.
Here's a map of the Black Balsam area so you can see how everything fits together. For more maps, including printed publications, see our Black Balsam maps page.
Backcountry Camping
Dispersed camping is allowed anywhere on National Forest property accessible from the Black Balsam area, except within 500' of a road or in a designated closed area. Bear canisters are required for food storage in the Black Balsam and Shining Rock areas.All bear canisters must be commercially made; constructed of solid, non-pliable material manufactured for the specific purpose of resisting entry by bears. Excellent campsites can be found (not made!) on top of the balds (but beware of harsh w...
Lodging
Lodging is available in the nearby towns of Brevard, Waynesville, or Asheville, all within about one hour's drive to the Black Balsam area.
This trailhead area is accessed via Black Balsam Road (FS 816), off of the Blue Ridge Parkway at milepost 420.2. There are two main parking areas along Black Balsam Road: one halfway to the end, at the gap where the Art Loeb and Mountains to Seatrails cross. The other is at the end of FS 816 about 0.5 mile past the gap, where about half a dozen mor...
Explore this 1.4-mile out-and-back trail near Balsam Grove, North Carolina. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 46 min to complete. This is a very popular area for hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring.
- Balsam Grove, North Carolina, United States
Try this 4.3-mile loop trail near Balsam Grove, North Carolina. Generally considered a moderately challenging route. This is a very popular area for backpacking, camping, and hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The best times to visit this trail are March through November.
- Balsam Grove, North Carolina, United States
The trailhead to Black Balsam Knob is located on Black Balsam Knob Road near milepost 420 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Look for a sign that reads “Black Balsam”. Your GPS should navigate you here without any issues.
May 29, 2024 · Black Balsam Knob is a moderate hiking trail that’s easily accessible from the Blue Ridge Parkway (MP 420). It’s part of North Carolina ‘s 30-mile Art Loeb Trail and the most popular stretch of that wonderful network.
Sep 10, 2020 · 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.
