How long is the trail to Black Balsam Knob?

5-mile
It’s a 5-mile hike with abundant summit views and even more summertime blueberries. Or catch some more sublime summit views on the nearby Sam Knob Trail, which departs from a trailhead at the dead-end of the road to Black Balsam Knob.

Is Black Balsam Knob on the Appalachian Trail?

Appalachian “balds” such as Black Balsam and nearby Sam Knob and Tennent Mountain are unique in that they are covered with grass and low-growing vegetation rather than alpine forests, which would be more common at such a high altitude (Black Balsam is at an elevation of 6,214 feet).

What town is Black Balsam Knob?

Asheville
Black Balsam Knob, also known as Black Balsam Bald, is in the Pisgah National Forest southwest of Asheville, North Carolina, near milepost 420 on the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Is Black Balsam Knob closed?

2. The road and trailhead will be closed until early October. It accesses the Black Balsam Trailhead, a major access point for the Art Loeb Trail, Mountains to Sea Trail, Shining Rock Wilderness and Sam’s Knob. Although motorized access to the trailhead will be closed, the trails will remain open.

How long is the hike up Tennent Mountain?

The hike summits Tennent Mountain at 1.9 miles, catching views from one of several extensive rock outcrops at the summit. Views of the rolling, waterfall-filled terrain of Graveyard Fields is visible to the southeast. The hike descends Tennent Mountain, trailing eastbound before switching back sharply at 2.2 miles and veering northwest.

Where to hike Black Balsam Knob and Tennent Mountain?

This hike visits the Black Balsam Knob summit and then rolls elevation to a neighboring peak, Tennent Mountain, for equally stunning (if not better) long-range views.

Where to find the flat Laurel Creek Trail?

The Flat Laurel Creek trail winds through the valley below the balds. In addition to these balds, trails in the Black Balsam area lead down into the Flat Laurel Creek valley with its dark forests, streamside meadows, and cascading waterfalls.