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Art Loeb Trail

 23 votes
  1. Areas
  2. NC
  3. …West and Mountains
  4. Pisgah National Forest
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Length

31.1 Miles 50.1 Kilometers

81%

Runnable

Elevation

6,563' 2,000 m

Ascent

-7,726' -2,355 m

Descent

9%

Avg Grade (5°)

68%

Max Grade (34°)

6,196' 1,889 m

High

2,138' 652 m

Low

Conditions

All Clear 62 days ago
Mostly Dry History
Getting forecast...

“One of the longest and more difficult trails in NC; this also ranks as one of the most popular.”

— Zane Ray
GPX File — Driving Directions

Overview

Bear canisters are required for all backcountry camping.
Taken in its entirely, the ~30 mile Art Loeb Trail traverses many significant peaks in North Carolina, which provides ample places to stop to take in the panoramic views. The trail begins with a steep incline at first, but quickly begins a gently rolling descent to the end point.

Many turn this trail into a multi-day trip, but be aware of other trail users who break the trail into segments for day use.
Features: Birding — Fall Colors
Dogs: Leashed

Description

Although one of the longest and more difficult trails in North Carolina, the 30.1-mile Art Loeb Trail still ranks as one of the more popular routes in the area. And no wonder, traveling mainly along peaks and ridges, the trail offers many outstanding panoramic views along the way.

Along its route the Art Loeb Trail traverses several significant peaks, including Black Balsam Knob (6214 feet), Tennant Mountain (6040 feet) and Pilot Mountain (5095 feet). The trail also skirts the base of Cold Mountain which was made famous by the novel and Hollywood film.

Many runners use the Art Loeb for extended backpacking trips, while others use shorter sections for day runs, or use connecting trails to form several outstanding loop runs. Most of the trail is overlapped by the Mountains-to-the Sea Trail which is blazed with 3-inch white dots.

This trail is commonly divided into four separate sections, and more information about the individual sections can be found here.

Contacts

Land Manager: USFS - Pisgah National Forest, Pisgah Ranger District

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Trail Ratings

  4.5 from 23 votes

#2

in Pisgah National Forest

#117

Overall
  4.5 from 23 votes
5 Star
57%
4 Star
35%
3 Star
9%
2 Star
0%
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Rankings

#2

in Pisgah National Forest

#4

in North Carolina

#117

Overall
1,422 Views Last Month
9,751 Since Sep 22, 2015
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5%
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Photos

Pilot Mountain on the Art Loeb Trail
Pilot Mountain on the Art Loeb Trail
 5
The scenic view from the Art Loeb Trail.
The scenic view from the Art Loeb Trail.
 4
Expansive views across the Smoky Mountains from along the Art Loeb Trail
Expansive views across the Smoky Mountains from…
 5
Enjoy expansive, verdant views from the Art Loeb Trail.
Enjoy expansive, verdant views from the Art Loe…
 6
Fall frost atop Black Balsam Knob
Fall frost atop Black Balsam Knob
 7
Get lost on the Art Loeb Trail.
Get lost on the Art Loeb Trail.
 5
Heavy snow bends the boughs across the trail
Heavy snow bends the boughs across the trail
 5

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