Experience one of the most stunning spots in the Blue Ridge Mountains. The hike to Black Balsam Knob is short but unforgettable, offering sweeping 360-degree views of rolling peaks as far as the eye can see. 🤩
It’s easy to see why this trail is so popular.
At only 1.5 miles round trip, it’s perfect for a peaceful morning walk, a family outing, a dreamy photo shoot, or even a quick add-on to a longer adventure.
I’ve hiked this trail a few times now and it never fails to leave me in awe. There’s something magical about standing on the bald at sunrise or sunset, watching the sky explode with color in every direction.
So, lace up your hiking boots. I’ve got you covered with this ultimate trail guide. It includes everything you need to know like the best time to hike it, a detailed trail description, and tips for camping at the top!
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Table of Contents
Black Balsam Knob Trail Details
Black Balsam Knob Hike Stats
Distance: 1.5 miles, but you can make it longer
Elevation: 350 feet of gain
Type: Out and Back
Length: 1-2 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
How to Get to Black Balsam Knob
The Black Balsam Knob trail is part of the Art Loeb Trail in the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains. Luckily, it’s very easy to navigate to, which makes it a popular trail in the area!
Simply follow the Blue Ridge Parkway until you get to around mile 420. From there, you will see the Black Balsam Knob Road ➡️. If you’re coming from the North it will be on your right and if you’re coming from the South it will be on your left.
From there, turn onto Black Balsam Road and follow it for one mile. At that point, you’ll see the trailhead sign and parking area. 🪧
Things to Know Before You Go
💵 There is no fee to hike Black Balsam Knob. It’s part of the Pisgah National Forest, so it’s free to visit.
☀️ Weather in the mountains can change quickly. Make sure that you are prepared for your visit with waterproof gear and layers!
⛺️ Dispersed camping is available along the Black Balsam Knob trail. You can camp anywhere as long as you are 500 feet away from the roads.
🐻 It’s common to see black bears in the Pisgah National Forest. Stay bear aware and make sure that you keep your distance if you see any.
🦮 Dogs are welcome on the Black Balsam Knob trail, but they must be kept on a leash at all times.
🅿️ Parking is off of the Blue Ridge Highway on Black Balsam Knob Road. It does get crowded, so you will want to get there early to get a spot!
⚠️ The Blue Ridge Highway closes for weather related circumstances and various construction. You can look up road closures and openings here.
🍃 Remember to follow the Leave No Trace Principles. As always, you want to leave nature looking better than you found it.
Best Time to Hike Black Balsam Knob
Although Black Balsam Knob is open year round, the best time to hike this trail is from late Spring to early Fall.
It’s really one of the most scenic hikes in the entire area and its stunning year round. Choosing when to go depends on what you want to see.
In the spring, you may start to see a few flowers 🌼 with greens starting to come back on the trees. While the summer is the lushest time of year with bright greens covering the mountains. Both the spring and summer can be rainier, with wet spring days and summer storms.
Then, the Fall is truly spectacular with vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows covering the trees. 🍁 Truly, you cannot go wrong if you visit during these times.
In the winter, you may find the trail snowy or icy and the Blue Ridge is subject to closures. 🚫 So, if you plan to go during this time, look up the road status before journeying out there.
Camping at Black Balsam Knob
One of the best parts of this area, is that you are allowed to disperse camp 🏕️ . There are many campers there during the summer on weekends.
It’s also part of the longer Art Loeb Trail, so you may see backpackers that are out there on longer expeditions.
Camping is allowed in the National Forest as long as you are 500 feet away from the road. Choose a spot that has already been used previously, so that you are not trampling any vegetation in the area.
While many people like to sleep atop the Bald, it does get very windy and cold at times. So, prepare with plenty of layers and stake your tent down well.
Remember that if you want to camp there, you must pack in and pack out everything that you bring, there are no fires allowed, and you must store food in bear storage containers to keep them away.
There’s truly no better place to camp though, with gorgeous views of both the sunset and the sunrise from this point. 🌅 So, enjoy your adventure!
What to Pack for Your Hike
Although the Blue Ridge is in the South, the mountains can be colder and rainier than other areas. So, you will want to prepare for your hike with waterproof gear in case of sudden rain. 🌧️
Also, if you are going to camp at the top, make sure that you bring plenty of layers to stay warm. It can get really windy at the peak and the cold may settle in as the sun goes down!
Packing List
- Comfortable Hiking Boots
- Day Pack
- Hiking poles
- Water Reservoir
- 1-2 Liters of Water
- Snacks and Food
- First Aid Kit
- Sunscreen
- Bug Spray
- Headlamp
- Shelter
- Rain jacket
- Base Layer
- Good Hiking Pants/Bottoms
- Satellite phone
Black Balsam Knob Trail Description
Up To Black Balsam Knob
As soon as you pass the trailhead, you will start the walk up to the top,. as you gain 350 feet of elevation in three quarters of a mile.
It begins going through a wooded area, before continuing out past the trees. From there, you’ll start to get fantastic views over the sprawling mountains. And on windy days, you’ll begin to feel the breeze. 💨
From there, you’ll go up over one hump, before descending down to another, and finally ascending up one more steep hill.
Once you get to the top, you will have 360 degree views over the mountains. It will take your breath away. 😍 Take a break there, watch a sunrise or sunset and enjoy the view before heading back down or continuing on.
Additions to the Black Balsam Knob Trail
If you are up for a longer hike, there are a few ways to add on to the Black Balsam Knob trail. Some of the most popular routes are Sam’s Knob, Tennent Mountain, and Shining Rock. You can read more about those below!
Sam Knob
You can choose to add on the hike to Sam Knob. There are two ways to get here:
- You can backtrack a little bit on the Black Balsam trail, turn on Trail 108 and then get to the Sam Knob Trail.
- Or, do a longer 7 mile loop hike that will go through the mountains over both Black Balsam Knob and Sam Knob.
Distance: 3.2 or 7 miles
Elevation: 800 or 1700 feet of gain
Type: Figure 8 or Loop
Length: 2-4 hours
Difficulty: Moderate to Hard
Tennent Mountain
Another fantastic day hike is the trail to Tennent Mountain.
You’ll continue past Black Balsam Knob for another mile before getting to the peak of Tennent Mountain. Take in the views there and you can either head back down or continue on the Ivestor Gap Trail to make it a loop!
Distance: 3.7-4.3 miles
Elevation: 680-780 feet of gain
Type: Out and Back or Loop
Length: 2-4 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Shining Rock
For those hikers who want a tougher challenge, you can take on the Shining Rock Trail. It’s definitely one of the harder trails, but it’s a gorgeous hike.
From Black Balsam Knob, you’ll continue up past Tennent Mountain and beyond. It’s a steep hike as you get up to Shining Rock. In total the trail is about 10 miles, but some hikers make it a 19 mile loop by continuing past that.
Distance: 10 miles
Elevation: 577 feet of gain
Type: Out and Back
Length: 2-4 hours
Difficulty: Hard
Art Loeb Backpacking Trail
If you really want to spend some time out in the wilderness, you can do the complete Art Loeb Trail, which is about 30 miles.
Most people complete this trail in a few days as a backpacking excursion. Because it’s a point to point hike, you will need to plan ahead with a car at either end or a way to get between the points.
It’s a great backpacking route, but it is rather challenging. So, don’t take it on lightly!
Distance: 30 miles
Elevation: 8100 feet of gain
Type: Point to Point
Length: 2-4 Days or 16 hours of Hiking
Difficulty: Hard
Final Tips for Visiting the Black Balsam Area
Whether you’re doing the Black Balsam Knob trail as a short day hike or part of a longer excursion, you will fall in love with this area! It’s absolutely breathtaking with views all around you.
I recommend heading out on a sunrise or sunset hike, so that you can watch the sky change in all directions. There’s truly nothing as spectacular. Plus, it’s a great way to avoid the crowds on the trail.
It’s a spot that you will want to return to again and again. Happy trails! 🥾
Let me know in the comments if you enjoyed this trail guide!
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