The Black Balsam Knob Loop traverses the high, grassy balds of the Shining Rock Wilderness within Pisgah National Forest in western North Carolina. The trailhead sits near the Art Loeb Trailhead on Black Balsam Road, accessed off the Blue Ridge Parkway near Milepost 420, approximately 1.5 hours southwest of Asheville.
The 5.8-mile loop combines sections of the Art Loeb Trail and the Ivestor Gap Trail, winding through an open, above-treeline landscape characterized by mountain sedge, wild blueberry heath, and scattered spruce-fir remnants. The summit of Black Balsam Knob rises to 6,214 feet, making it one of the highest points accessible via day hike in the eastern United States. The total elevation gain is approximately 700 feet, distributed across rolling ridgeline rather than a single sustained climb.
The trail surface alternates between compacted dirt, grassy bald, and exposed rock outcrops. Most of the route sits above the treeline, offering 360-degree panoramic views across the Blue Ridge Escarpment, the Shining Rock area, Cold Mountain, and on clear days the Black Mountains to the northeast. There are no water sources on the open balds; all water must be carried from the trailhead.
From the Art Loeb Trailhead, hikers ascend east toward the summit of Black Balsam Knob, then continue north along the ridge to Tennent Mountain (6,040 ft) before looping back via the Ivestor Gap Trail. The loop can be completed in either direction; clockwise is the most common approach. A recommended turn-around point for shorter outings is the Knob summit at approximately 1.5 miles from the trailhead.
No backcountry permit is required for day hiking in the Shining Rock Wilderness, though the area is a designated wilderness where no motorized equipment or bicycles are permitted. Afternoon thunderstorms are common during summer months and the exposed ridge provides no shelter; early-morning starts are strongly advised from June through August. Snow and ice are possible from November through April, and traction devices may be necessary during that window.
Trail facts
- Trail area
- Shining Rock Wilderness, Pisgah National Forest
- Best season
- May-October
What to bring
- Hiking boots
- Rain jacket (afternoon storms common)
- Sun protection (above treeline)
- Water (no sources on balds)
- Navigation app (AllTrails or Gaia GPS)
Location
Black Balsam Rd, Waynesville, NC 28785 (off Blue Ridge Pkwy Mile 420)
35.3315, -82.8769 View on map
Highlights
- 360-degree panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Escarpment from the 6,214 ft Black Balsam Knob summit
- Above-treeline grassy balds with wild blueberry, mountain sedge, and scattered spruce-fir remnants
- Loop route passing Tennent Mountain (6,040 ft) on the Art Loeb and Ivestor Gap trails
- One of the highest day-hiking summits accessible in the eastern United States
- Protected Shining Rock Wilderness designation — no motorized vehicles and lighter crowds than front-country trailheads
Tips for visiting
- Start by 8 am to avoid afternoon thunderstorms common on the exposed ridge from June through August.
- Carry all water from the trailhead — no reliable water sources exist on the open balds.
- Bring sun protection; the above-treeline route offers virtually no shade for most of the 5.8-mile loop.
- Traction devices (microspikes) are recommended from November through April when ice is likely on the bald.
- Navigate with an offline app (AllTrails or Gaia GPS) — blazes are sparse across the open grass terrain.
When to visit
The trail is most rewarding from late May through October when the balds are in full green and the summit is reliably snow-free. Early morning starts before 9 am are recommended to avoid afternoon thunderstorms and parking congestion at the Blue Ridge Parkway trailhead.
Accessibility
The trail is not wheelchair or stroller accessible. The route involves uneven rocky terrain, open bald grassland, and steep sections with no paved or compacted surface suitable for mobility aids. No accessible facilities exist at the Art Loeb Trailhead on Black Balsam Road.
Frequently asked questions
Is a permit required to hike Black Balsam Knob?
No permit is required for day hiking in the Shining Rock Wilderness. Overnight camping within the wilderness also requires no permit, but Leave No Trace practices are mandatory and campfires are prohibited in the Shining Rock area.
How long does the loop typically take?
Most hikers complete the 5.8-mile loop in 3 to 4 hours. The terrain is mostly open with moderate inclines, though exposed ridgeline wind can slow progress and summit photography tends to extend the outing.
When is the best time to see the blueberry blooms?
Wild blueberry bushes across the balds typically bloom in May and early June. Peak berry season is mid-July, though picking is prohibited in designated wilderness areas in Pisgah National Forest.
Is the trail dog-friendly?
Yes, dogs are permitted on leash in Pisgah National Forest and the Shining Rock Wilderness. Keeping dogs leashed protects the fragile bald vegetation and avoids disturbance to wildlife near the summit.