Highlights
Routes
/-82.8689781799316,35.3371130107184,11,0.00,0.00/320x240@2x?access_token=pk.eyJ1IjoicGVha2VyeSIsImEiOiJjampra3Z0bnAxeTVnM3FteHlybHY3b2p1In0.7a5dEa5-995VUv8ceHHNmw)
16 summits • 5.5 mi • 332 ft gain • 2 hr 59 min
1 summit • 11.3 mi • 1,939 ft gain • 5 hr 33 min
1 summit • 11.8 mi • 1,166 ft gain • 4 hr 48 min
1 summit • 13.0 mi • 1,695 ft gain • 5 hr 24 min
1 summit • 7.0 mi • 1,202 ft gain • 2 hr 53 min
1 summit • 7.9 mi • 1,313 ft gain • 3 hr 36 min
1 summit • 9.9 mi • 913 ft gain • 4 hr 13 min
Latest summits
"Black Balsam Knob spent most of the day shrouded in clouds, so we bypassed it on the Ivestor Gap Trail (a gated 4WD road) and took a narrow trail up to the Art Loeb Trail to Tennent Mountain for a snack lunch and a 360-degree view! Black Balsam Knob cleared just long enough to take the Art Loeb Trail and another narrow trail up the ridge to the peak of Black Balsam Knob for another 360-degree view! Bring sunscreen for these trails and peaks." — davidensley • Jun 25, 2021
"This trip was on the most beautiful day for a hike. I began at the Art Loeb Trail where it intersects Black Balaam Rd and began my climb, meandering through the forest.
After popping up out of the trees, there are 360 degree views. This is probably my favorite hike, because of the beautiful scenery for most of the hike. I passed by a couple getting married as well as several other hikers along the way to Black Balsam Knob.
One I reached the top, I realized that I had plenty more time before sunset. So I continued on to Tennent Mountain. I left the crowd behind at Black Balsam and immediately had the trail to myself on the descent.
I passed through fields of rhododendrons on the way down. The path gets pretty tight here and there is a lot of erosion. There is plenty of open rock face here as well.
After dropping getting to the bottom the trail picks right back up on ascent to Tennent. Much of the climb is open rock face.
At the top there is a plaque for Tennent Mountain. The sweeping views are amazing. For little effort you get a big reward here." — ChrisM • Apr 28, 2018
"Mid-November loop day hike hitting three Southern Six'ers and three waterfalls.
Graveyard Fields Overlook > Graveyard Fields Loop > Lower Falls > MST Access > Skinny Dip Falls > Bridges Camp Gap Trail > Greasy Cove Trail > Ivestor Gap > Grassy Cove Top > Art Loeb Section 3 > Tennent Mountain > Black Balsam Knob > Black Balsam Parking > MST > Graveyard Ridge Connector > Graveyard Fields Loop > Upper Falls > Graveyard Fields Overlook
Distance: 18.6 mi.
Altitude Gain: 4993 ft." — WGMayo • Nov 12, 2016
"Hiked with Caet Cash - a continuation of our trip to Shining Rock - we had already passed over Black Balsam at this point. Holy blueberries! What a fantastic treat to be able to eat wild berries as we hiked. Not much in the way of distance or elevation gain between the two peaks. Absolutely stunning views. " — kellieirene • Jul 27, 2016
"A nice stop along the way to Cold Mountain. Fall is the best time of year to hike the Art Loeb Trail because of the foliage. The Shining Rock Wilderness is my favorite backpacking area in NC." — tlannin • Oct 24, 2015
"Second of three summits this day - fairly easy summit from Art Loeb Trail heading north but loved the view - great visibility this day - continuing Art Loeb north more challenging and interesting as well" — richard • Aug 21, 2011
Photos
Awards
Challenges
About peakery awards
Log successful summits on peakery to earn awards:
Peak Badges: Earn a special badge for each unique peak you summit. See all of your badges on your Badges page.
First Ascent Award: Only 1 available per peak. Goes to the first peakery member to log a successful summit of a peak. Snag this award and the peak will forever bear your name.
King of the Mountain Award: Only 1 available per peak. Summit a peak more times than any other member. Beware: this award can be lost!
Summit Steward: Summit a peak at least 5 times to become one of its Summit Stewards. As Steward of a peak, you’re encouraged to keep that peak’s info up-to-date on peakery and spread goodwill on your future climbs up the peak.