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A great trail that parallels the Art Loeb Trail and provides good option for either a four or an eight mile loop.


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Map Key

4.0

Miles

6.4

KM

99%

Runnable

5,859' 1,786 m

High

5,679' 1,731 m

Low

227' 69 m

Up

131' 40 m

Down

2%

Avg Grade (1°)

7%

Max Grade (4°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Fall Colors · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

One Way Only: This is designated as a directional trail.

Need to Know

The parking lot gets full, so get there early and make sure to go all the way to the official parking lot area with a small gravel extension. There are several spots about a half mile before on the side of Black Balsam for the Art Loeb trailhead, so make sure to go all the way to the normal parking lot to get to Ivestor Gap trailhead. This trailhead is at the end of the gravel parking lot extension.

Runner Notes

The trail can be rocky in places.

Description

A great alternative to its big brother Art Loeb, this trail is lower in elevation with a more consistent grade, and there are a few great viewpoints at Ivestor Gap. Carry the trail on to Shining Rock for a very cool mid-point. Be sure to not miss going to the actual Shining Rock. It is super cool!

Although this is technically a point-to-point trail, you can make an easy loop run using the Art Loeb Trail. I prefer the Art Loeb out to Ivestor Gap or Shining Rock with Ivestor Gap Trail back. This takes the harder elevation gains early in the run. It is a little muddy in spots so wear appropriate shoes.

Contacts

Shared By:

Jake Weber

Trail Ratings

  4.0 from 1 vote

#15249

Overall
  4.0 from 1 vote
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Trail Rankings

#628

in North Carolina

#15,249

Overall
7 Views Last Month
853 Since Apr 30, 2018
Intermediate Intermediate

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Photos

Expansive views across the Smoky Mountains from along the Art Loeb Trail
Nov 6, 2017 near West Ca…, NC

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