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- Black Balsam Knob Hike: Trail Stats and Map
- Black Balsam Knob Trailhead and Parking
- Black Balsam Knob Hike: Best Time to Go
- Black Balsam Knob via Art Loeb Trail Directions
- Alternate Route: Black Balsam Knob and Tennent Mountain Loop
- Tips for Hiking Black Balsam Knob
- Hiking Black Balsam Knob Packing List
- Conclusion
Black Balsam Knob Hike: Trail Stats and Map
Black Balsam Knob via Art Loeb Trail Stats
Starting Point: Black Balsam Knob Trailhead
Length: 1.5 miles
Elevation Gain: 360 feet
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Hiking Time: 45 minutes to 1.5 hours
Route Type: Out-and-back
Pet-friendly? Yes, must be on leash
Hike Features: Summit (knob) with amazing views
🥾 Extend this hike to Tennent Mountain for a 3.8-mile (roundtrip) hike with 800 feet of elevation gain. I highly recommend it!
Black Balsam Knob via Art Loeb Trail Map
Black Balsam Knob Trailhead and Parking
Black Balsam Knob is located in the Pisgah National Forest in Western North Carolina.
The Black Balsam Knob Trailhead is located on Black Balsam Knob Road (Forest Service Road 816) which branches off the Blue Ridge Parkway near milepost 420.
There are several paved parking spots alongside the road. If they are all taken, you can park at the larger parking lot at Sam’s Knob Trailhead.
The parking spots tend to fill up quickly, especially during late spring, summer, and fall when the trails are at their busiest.
To reach the Art Loeb Trail from the Sam’s Knob Trailhead, hop onto the Investor Gap Trail and immediately take a right onto a connector trail.
You will soon reach a junction – take a left onto the Art Loeb Trail and continue hiking to reach Black Balsam Knob.
Due to the trail’s popularity, people will park wherever they want in order to hike to the famous knob. I completely understand the hype, but let’s not park on fragile vegetation on the side of the road.
If all the parking spaces for both hikes are full when you arrive, find another hike! Check out other great hiking options nearby, such as Graveyard Fields or Skinny Dip Falls.
If you have time, you can return to Black Balsam Knob or Sam’s Knob parking areas and see if there’s a spot available.
Black Balsam Knob Hike: Best Time to Go
The best time to complete the Black Balsam Knob hike is either spring or fall.
🌷 In the spring, expect to see beautiful wildflowers and lush, green forests. The temperatures will likely be nice and cool, especially early in the morning.
🍂 In the fall, the views are stunning with the vibrant fall colors lighting up the landscape. The cooler weather is perfect for hiking, and while it can get pretty busy with people wanting to see the foliage, the incredible scenery makes it totally worth it.
☀️ Summer is a nice time to hike this trail due to warm temperatures and long daylight hours, however, expect a lot of people. I mean A LOT! If you are visiting in the summer, get there as early as possible (or hike later in the day) to beat the crowd.
☃️ Winter can be a magical time, especially if there’s snow covering the landscape. The only issue is that the Blue Ridge Parkway tends to close due to ice and snow. Check the current road conditions HERE!
❄️ Winter Route: You can reach Black Balsam Knob even if the Blue Ridge Parkway is closed by hiking along the Flat Laurel Creek Trail. This is a 7.5-mile roundtrip hike with about 830 feet of elevation gain.
Black Balsam Knob via Art Loeb Trail Directions
Art Loeb Trail
This hike begins at the Black Balsam Knob Trailhead. You will be hiking along the Art Loeb Trail the entire way.
Hop onto the Art Loeb Trail and into a forest of balsam fir and blackberry bushes.
The trail opens up as you leave the forest to a field of tall grass and wildflowers (if hiking in the spring/summer).
The trail will be rocky for a little bit then turn into a dirt path.
Enjoy the panoramic views as you make your way towards the knob.
Black Balsam Knob
There will be a plaque at the summit honoring Arthur J. Loeb (the person this trail is named after).
The views from the top of Black Balsam Knob are insanely beautiful! Take a break and enjoy the views.
From here, you can either retrace your steps back to the parking area, or you can continue towards Tennent Mountain.
Hiking to Tennent Mountain will add about 2.3 miles to your total hike.
Tennent Mountain (extended hike)
You made the right choice to keep going! The views from Tennent Mountain are amazing, and it’s usually not as crowded as Black Balsam Knob.
Follow the Art Loeb Trail through dense vegetation of berry bushes and wildflowers.
The summit of Tennent Mountain has rocky outcrops, and the views are worth the extra effort!
We thoroughly enjoyed Tennent Mountain because it was way more peaceful!
Retrace your steps to return to the parking area.
Congrats, you did it! 🥳
Alternate Route: Black Balsam Knob and Tennent Mountain Loop
Instead of completing the hike (as described above) as an out-and-back hike, you can continue hiking further for a 5-mile loop!
Continue past Tennent Mountain via the Art Loeb Trail then take a left onto the Investor Gap Trail.
Hike along the Investor Gap Trail until you reach the Black Balsam Knob Road then walk down the road back to the parking area.
Or, to avoid walking along the road, take a left onto a connector trail and then a right onto Art Loeb Trail to return to the parking area.
Another option is to park at the Sam’s Knob parking area, take the connector trail to the Art Loeb Trail then hop onto the Investor Gap Trail to finish the loop back to the parking area.
Tips for Hiking Black Balsam Knob
1. Start Early: Beat the crowds and enjoy cooler temperatures by starting your hike early in the morning, especially during peak season.
2. Bring Plenty of Water and Snacks: Carry plenty of water to stay hydrated, especially during warm summer days. Also, bring high-energy snacks to refuel!
3. Check the Weather: The elevation (over 6,200 feet) can make the weather unpredictable, with cooler temperatures and high winds. Check the weather forecast before heading out and bring extra layers just in case.
4. Sun Protection: Black Balsam Knob is exposed to the sun, so wear lightweight, breathable clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun, especially during the summer.
5. Be Bear Aware: The mountains of North Carolina are home to black bears. If you see a bear, keep your distance, do not approach it, and back away slowly. If the bear continues to approach, try to make yourself look large and create loud noises to scare it away.
6. Respect Nature: Follow Leave No Trace principles – plan ahead, pack out all trash, avoid disturbing wildlife, be considerate of others, and respect the natural beauty of Blue Ridge Mountains.
Hiking Black Balsam Knob Packing List
👚 Layers of Clothing (top) – Pack a moisture-wicking base layer, a fleece mid-layer, an insulated jacket, and an outer shell to protect you from the elements, such as rain and wind. You may not need all these layers, especially in the summer months, but it’s always best to be over-prepared!
Check out my favorite tops 👇
- Base layer: REI Co-op Sahara Shade Hoodie (warm/mild conditions) and REI Co-op Midweight Long-Sleeve Base Layer (cooler conditions)
- Fleece mid layer: Cotopaxi Teca Fleece Full-Zip Jacket
- Down mid layer: Cotopaxi Fuego Hooded Down Jacket
- Outer shell: In the summer I always pack a light windbreaker, such as the Cotopaxi Teca Crop Windbreaker or the RevolutionRace Unit Light Windbreaker. If cold, windy, and rainy conditions are in the forecast (or there’s a slight possibility), I make sure to pack my Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Jacket.
🩳 Hiking Shorts or Pants – Pack a comfortable, durable, and stretchy pair of hiking shorts or pants. Also think about what conditions you might run into, such as warm or cold temperatures, wind and/or rain, bugs, and overgrown trails.
Check out my favorite hiking bottoms 👇
- Cotopaxi Losdos Zip-Off Pants
- RevolutionRace Breezy Ankle Outdoor Pants
- Baleaf Fleece-Lined Jogger Pants
- RevolutionRace Summit Pocket Tights
- Revolution Race Hike & Dive Shorts
🥾 Hiking Footwear – Bring a good pair of hiking boots or shoes with good traction. If I’m not expecting to hike in too much mud or snow, my go-to hiking shoes are the Altra Lone Peak trail runners. They have a wide-toe box, 0 mm heel-to-toe drop, and MaxTrac rubber outsole. Plus, they’re lightweight and so comfy!
🧦 Socks – Moisture-wicking, quick-drying socks are the way to go. My favorite pair of hiking socks are Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Cushion Socks. Always pack an extra pair!
🎒 Day Pack – What you plan to do (sightseeing, hiking, etc.), determines what size pack you’ll need. Here is what I typically bring based on what I’m doing that day 👇
- Short walks and sightseeing: Cotopaxi Kapai 1.5L Del Dia Hip Pack
- Short, easy to moderate day hikes: REI Co-op Flash 22L Pack
- Long, moderate to challenging day hikes: REI Co-op Trail 25L Pack or Cotopaxi Luzon Del Dia 24L Pack
🥢 Trekking Poles – Essential for stability, balance, and support when hiking trails, especially on tough, rocky, and uneven terrain. I use REI Co-op Trailmade Trekking Poles and love them!
❄️ Microspikes – Bring a pair of microspikes if you’re visiting in the winter and you’re planning to hike along icy trails. They will give you good traction to avoid slipping! I use Black Diamond Access Spike Traction Device.
🦟 Mosquito/Bug Repellants – In the warmer months, be prepared for annoying gnats, mosquitoes, and flies. Wear long-sleeve clothing, a head net, and use bug spray.
🧤 Extra Warm Layers – If you expect cooler conditions or hiking to higher elevations, make sure to pack extra layers for added warmth, such as gloves, beanie, neck gaiter, and a light jacket.
🗺️ Navigation – Carry a physical topographic map, compass, a satellite messenger (or personal locator beacon), and download offline maps to help you stay on course, find your way in unfamiliar terrain, and call for help if needed.
🔦 Headlamp/Flashlight – A reliable light source with extra batteries, in case you end up hiking in the dark or need it for emergency situations.
💧 Water – Water bottles to carry sufficient water to stay hydrated, along with a filtration system or purification tablets if you plan to refill from natural sources.
🍕 Food – Energy-rich snacks or meals to keep your energy levels up during the hike.
😎 Sun Protection – Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sunhat to protect yourself from harmful UV rays, even when it’s cloudy. Also, polarized sunglasses are important when it’s bright outside and to reduce glare from reflective surfaces like water, snow, and roads.
🩹 First-Aid Kit – A basic first-aid kit with items like bandages, antiseptic, pain relievers, and any personal medications you may need.
🥶 Emergency Shelter – Pack an emergency bivy sack or space blanket for shelter in case of sudden weather changes.
🔥 Fire – A lighter, matches, or fire starter to help you build a fire for warmth or signaling in case of emergency. Along with matches, I also carry a multi-tool carabiner that has a fire starter, utility blade, screwdriver, and bottle opener.
🗡️ Multi-Tool and Repair Kit – A versatile tool/knife and repair kit to handle any task, from preparing food to making repairs.
💩 Waste Disposal Supplies – WAG bags, trowel, toilet paper, pee cloth, wipes, Ziploc bags – be sure to pack out everything!
Conclusion
The Black Balsam Knob hike might be wildly popular and crowded during peak season, but it’s absolutely worth it!
The breathtaking views along the trail and from the summits of Black Balsam Knob and Tennent Mountain are unforgettable.
For an even more magical experience, consider hiking during sunrise or sunset.
Not only will you likely avoid the crowds, but you’ll also be treated to stunning skies painted with vibrant colors – weather permitting, of course!
If this guide inspires you to hike Black Balsam Knob (and Tennent Mountain), I’d love to hear about your adventure. Leave a comment and share your experience!
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