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Black Balsam Loop

 
 1 vote
  1. Areas
  2. NC
  3. …West and Mountains
  4. …Pisgah National Forest
  5. Black Mountain
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Length

9.4 Miles 15.1 Kilometers

94%

Runnable

Elevation

1,112' 339 m

Ascent

-1,107' -337 m

Descent

4%

Avg Grade (3°)

22%

Max Grade (12°)

6,194' 1,888 m

High

5,435' 1,657 m

Low

Conditions

Unknown
History
Getting forecast...
This Featured Run content is still in development or in editorial review.

“An awesome run along the Art Loeb, MST, Ivestor Gap, and Little Sam Trail.”

— Brandon Thrower
GPX File — Driving Directions

Overview

This run features multiple views from massive balds at 6000ft! The footing is technical throughout, but the climbing is very minimal for such a mountainous area. Plus, you are cruising over 5,500 ft the majority of the time, so this is a great summer route!
Features: River/Creek — Views — Wildflowers

Description

Start from Ivestor Gap lot. Run Sam Knob Trail to Flat Laurel Creek Trail , turn left on Flat Laurel Creek Trail and follow to Little Sam Trail, turn right and follow Little Sam Trail to Mountains-to-Sea Trail: Hwy 215 to Black Balsam Knob, turn left on Mountains-to-Sea Trail: Hwy 215 to Black Balsam Knob until it intersects with the Art Loeb Trail, continue straight on the shared Art Loeb/MST to paved road. At the paved road cross and follow Art Loeb Trail that splits left, run over Black Balsam and Tennent Mountains. Once you reach Ivestor Gap, turn left (almost a U-turn) onto Ivestor Gap Trail which is basically a rocky road and follow it all the way back to the van.

Contacts

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

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Trail Ratings

  5.0 from 1 vote

#1

in Black Mountain

#897

Overall
  5.0 from 1 vote
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Rankings

#1

in Black Mountain

#29

in North Carolina

#897

Overall
32 Views Last Month
314 Since Apr 17, 2017
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Photos

Near Sam's Knob
Near Sam's Knob
 3
The scenic view from the Art Loeb Trail.
The scenic view from the Art Loeb Trail.
 4
The view over the Blue Ridge Parkway.
The view over the Blue Ridge Parkway.
 3
Enjoy expansive, verdant views from the Art Loeb Trail.
Enjoy expansive, verdant views from the Art Loe…
 5
Fall frost atop Black Balsam Knob
Fall frost atop Black Balsam Knob
 6
Get lost on the Art Loeb Trail.
Get lost on the Art Loeb Trail.
 4

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