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Art Loeb Trail

 4.5 (33)
  1. Areas
  2. NC
  3. …West and Mountains
  4. …Pisgah National Forest
  5. Avery Creek
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Map Key

31.1 Miles 50.1 Kilometers


81%

Runnable

7,578' 2,310 m

Ascent

-6,409' -1,954 m

Descent

9%

Avg Grade (5°)

66%

Max Grade (33°)

6,194' 1,888 m

High

2,138' 652 m

Low

Shared By Zane Ray

Conditions

Unknown
History
Getting forecast...

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

— Zane Ray
Driving DirectionsGPX File

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Fall Colors · Views · Wildflowers

Bear canisters are required for all backcountry camping. No campfires in the Shining Rock Wilderness

Overview

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 long and, at times, 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.

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 (5072 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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Check-Ins

Jun 28, 2018
Corey Holt
Really enjoyed the trail and the run. Grabbed a shuttle to the start from Pure Vida. I didn't have any trouble navigating and had awesome weather! 33.1mi — 13h 00m
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.5 from 33 votes

#1

in Avery Creek

#115

Overall
  4.5 from 33 votes
5 Star
58%
4 Star
33%
3 Star
9%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Rankings

#1

in Avery Creek

#4

in North Carolina

#115

Overall
1,230 Views Last Month
22,905 Since Sep 22, 2015
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
0%
3%
0%
53%
37%
7%
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Photos

Pilot Mountain on the Art Loeb Trail
Pilot Mountain on the Art Loeb Trail
 7
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
View of Davidson River
View of Davidson River
 3
Trail along the Davidson River
Trail along the Davidson River
 3

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