Black Balsam Knob in Pisgah National Forest, NC

Hike Black Balsam Knob Pisgah National Forest, NC

Class 1 1.5 miles 400 gain <1 hr Out + Back Jun 18, 2020
Effort
Beauty
Personality
Solitude

Black Balsam Knob GPX Track

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Without realizing it initially, Black Balsam Knob shares a ridgeline with Old Butt Knob and Shining Rock, one of my favorite hikes in the area. Had I known this, I would have done the whole traverse, and I'd recommend you look into it. The route appears to be gorgeous due to its incredible vistas. However, a storm was coming and I wasn't prepared for a longer hike than just heading out and back and Black Balsam Knob.

The hike is extremely popular, but rightfully so – it's really gorgeous. After a short walk through the forest, the trail leads through meadows to the summit.

PEAKS ON HIKE
Elevation (ft) / Prominence (ft)
Peaks on hike
Elevation
Prominence
1
Black Balsam Knob
6214 ft
989 rise

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Starting along the Art Loeb Trail, which would lead up to Black Balsam Knob.
Starting along the Art Loeb Trail, which would lead up to Black Balsam Knob.
A short section through forest.
A short section through forest.
The Art Loeb Trail emerges from the trees and heads through a meadow toward Black Balsam Knob.
The Art Loeb Trail emerges from the trees and heads through a meadow toward Black Balsam Knob.
Looking back.
Looking back.
Another shot looking back.
Another shot looking back.
Image 5 from gallery
Black Balsam Knob ahead.
Black Balsam Knob ahead.
A small dip in the ridgeline before the short ascent to the summit.
A small dip in the ridgeline before the short ascent to the summit.
A view at a nice lookout point along the way.
A view at a nice lookout point along the way.
Almost at the summit of Black Balsam Knob, looking back.
Almost at the summit of Black Balsam Knob, looking back.
Summit view of Black Balsam Knob.
Summit view of Black Balsam Knob.
Black Balsam Knob summit, view north along the Art Loeb Trail. Maybe next time!
Black Balsam Knob summit, view north along the Art Loeb Trail. Maybe next time!

Hire me or show me some love!

Hire/refer me as a web developer or send me a few bucks if you find my site useful. I’m not sponsored, so all fees are out-of-pocket and my time preparing trip reports is unpaid. I really appreciate it!