Black Balsam Knob: Overview
Trailhead Location: Located on Black Balsam Knob Road (Forest Service Road 816) which branches off the Blue Ridge Parkway near milepost 420.
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!
Directions and Parking
Black Balsam Knob is located in the Pisgah National Forest in Western North Carolina. It’s part of the Blue Ridge Mountains and lies along the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway, about 35 miles southwest of Asheville.
There are several paved parking spots at the Black Balsam Knob Trailhead alongside the road, as well as a larger parking lot at the 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! Other great hiking options are 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.
✨ READ THIS: 15 Ways to Avoid Crowds in the Great Outdoors
Best Time to Hike Black Balsam Knob
The best time to hike this trail is either spring or fall. In the spring (April to June) 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.
Tips for Hiking Black Balsam Knob
Start Early: Beat the crowds and enjoy cooler temperatures by starting your hike early in the morning, especially during peak season.
Bring Plenty of Water & Snacks: Carry plenty of water to stay hydrated, especially during warm summer days. Also, bring high-energy snacks to refuel!
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.
Footwear and Gear: Make sure you wear comfortable yet sturdy hiking shoes (or boots). Also, hiking poles may be beneficial for extra balance if needed. Make sure you wear proper clothing for the season and pack extra layers.
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.
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.
Leave No Trace: Stay on the trail, pack out all trash, and avoid picking plants or disturbing wildlife. Help keep the Blue Ridge Mountains pristine for future hikers.
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: 5-Mile 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.
Conclusion
This 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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