Black Balsam Knob
Black Balsam Knob
5
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5.0
22 reviews
Excellent
21
Very good
1
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Jeannethe M
Kathleen, FL24 contributions
Oct 2020 • Friends
Great little hike. Some families and dogs, most people were mask conscious and friendly. I would suggest doing the entire loop starting with Balsam knob and ending with the lower loop to the parking area. In total about 3 hours.
Written 5 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
William O
Rapid City, SD3,276 contributions
Apr 2023 • Family
I've heard several people describe this as one of the best hikes in the area. I would have to agree with that description. The mountain is a bald so it offers incredible views in all directions. It is, however, a very popular trail so was very busy on the hike in. Once we passed the summit, the freeway crowds really disappeared. Great hike.
Written 8 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Summerfog
Richmond, VA303 contributions
July 2022
How did I miss this hike, after so many years of visiting Western NC? I highly recommend it. The hike is short and a mildly challenging but the views are breathtaking. On our visit, the Turks Cap lilies were in bloom along with a wide range of other native plants.
Written 4 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Steve R
Las Vegas, NV303 contributions
Aug 2017
We hiked to Black Balsam Knob on a foggy day and then realized that we were probably in the clouds all day. Even with no views, the hike was great and the fields were overflowing with color from the native plants. We started on the Art Loeb trail, uphill for a while and then onto Tenant Mountain. We came back on Ivestor Trail. I would strongly suggest starting at the far parking lot (the one with the bad toilets) and take the Ivestor Trail, it's rocky and wet in some areas, but also filled with many bog plants if you look closely. Then take the Art Loeb Trail back for a different view and a hike downhill, instead of uphill. Oddly enough the Ivestor trail is quite flat so it's the easy way up and the Art Loeb trail is filled with rock and wood steps. The ARt Loeb trail takes you back to the first parking lot, so you will have to walk on the road for a short time to get back to your car. This is a busy area and the lots fill up quickly so you may have to park on the shoulder.
Written 28 August 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
onemichael
Taylors, SC1,961 contributions
Nov 2016 • Couples
This mountain offers 360 degree views. It is an amazing place to visit. It is an easy half mile walk along the Art Loeb trail to the top at about 6000 feet. The views are amazing. You can continue on and the one trail loop is about 5 or so miles. If you are used to hiking on forest trails this will be a great new adventure as there are few trees along the way and none at the top of the knob. You can do a short trip or take a longer hike. Your choice. It is an easy hike along the Art Loeb trail but gets more difficult beyond that. Go and enjoy a day out. Cheers!!!
Written 9 November 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
WThiker
Weaverville, NC79 contributions
Oct 2019
Drive to Mile Marker 420 and turn right on 816 if you are traveling north, travel about .5 mile and your trailhead is on the right hand side of the road. Black Balsam Knob offers a spectacular view and if you are adventurous enough, hike on to Tennent Mtn for even more views. Stay on the Art Loeb for an in and out hike of a little over 4 miles.
Written 6 October 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AussieRV
West End, NC57 contributions
June 2016 • Family
We hiked up, around and over Black Balsam and Tennent mountains. Took a packed lunch and twice the amount of water we "thought" we needed, finished all of it! It's very windy and significantly cooler at the top all while unsuspecting visitors get a good sun burn/wind burn if not prepared. Can not beat the 360 degree, almost treeless views!! Only met a few hikers since we went on a weekday.
If taking dogs, be careful. It's rutted out in several places and small dogs will have to be carried. Our large Aussies had sore feet from the rocky terrain, but loved every minute of it!
If taking dogs, be careful. It's rutted out in several places and small dogs will have to be carried. Our large Aussies had sore feet from the rocky terrain, but loved every minute of it!
Written 9 December 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kimber k
Asheville, NC313 contributions
Oct 2019
Wonderful hike with unmatched views! This is a very doable hike as an out and back or a loop. We've done it in spring, summer, and fall and every time it is a reminder that it is an excellent "go to" when company comes from out of town and wants a taste of hiking and all WNC has to offer. Dog friendly, pack your lunch, bring your camera sort of hike.
Written 16 October 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sparrish5
Alpharetta, GA191 contributions
Sept 2019
I've done a lot of hiking. There is hardly one out there that provides more bang for the calorie burned to get there. The initial walk is through beautiful forest, then the trail opens up to one gorgeous view after another.
Written 17 September 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mark C
5 contributions
Oct 2018 • Friends
By far one of our most favorite places...we are never ever disappointed by these mountains....everytime we have hiked this trail its been Mother Nature's laser light show...
Written 9 November 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
How hard would you say the hike is? Is it okay for beginners?
Written 15 September 2018
betseyrich
Sevierville, Tennessee
I want to know if you can hike and camp on the trail and if so do we need a permit also where can we camp. Thank you betsey
Written 2 August 2018
keltonme
Greenville, South Carolina
We're thinking about catching the shining creek trail, then south on art loeb trail. Is there any place to hammock camp near the intersection of art loeb and graveyard ridge trail?
Written 25 September 2017
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