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6,596 ft · Black Mountains, North Carolina

Balsam Cone

Balsam Cone is a 6,596 ft peak in the Black Mountains, North Carolina. The standard route is the Black Mountain Crest Trail: 3 mi, 1,350 ft of gain, Class 1.

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Balsam Cone in the Black Mountains, North Carolina

Balsam Cone at a glance

  • Elevation6,596 ft2,010 m
  • RouteBlack Mountain Crest TrailClass 1
  • Distance3 mi1,350 ft gain
  • Time3 – 5 hrsEasy effort
  • SeasonApr – Nov
  • RangeBlack MountainsNorth Carolina

Climbing the Black Mountain Crest Trail

From Asheville, take the Blue Ridge Parkway north to milepost 355.3, then NC 128 to the Mount Mitchell summit parking area; the Parkway beyond the park is closed after Helene. Hike north on the Black Mountain Crest Trail over Mount Craig and Big Tom, drop steeply to the Big Tom Gap Trail junction, then climb to the wooded top of Balsam Cone, which sits right on the trail. The route is Class 1 but rooty and rocky with short handline pitches. Add Cattail Peak or go on to Deep Gap to reach the 5 mi SB6K minimum. Fog and wind are common, and park gates lock at posted hours.

Gear and hazards

What to bring

  • Backpack (25–35 L)
  • Hiking Boots
  • Water
  • Offline Maps
  • Headlamp
  • Satellite Communicator
  • Whistle
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen
  • Sun Hat
  • Midlayer
  • Insulated Jacket
  • Hardshell Jacket
  • Warm Hat
  • Buff
  • Midweight Gloves
  • Trekking Poles
  • GPS Device
  • Power Bank
  • Water Filter
  • First-Aid Kit
  • Emergency Bivy

What to watch for

  • High winds
  • Low visibility
  • Slippery terrain
  • Rapid weather shifts

Quests with Balsam Cone

Peaks near Balsam Cone

  1. Cattail Peak

    Cattail Peak

    6,583 ft · 0.5 mi away

  2. Mount Craig

    Mount Craig

    6,646 ft · 0.9 mi away

  3. Mount Mitchell

    Mount Mitchell

    6,684 ft · 1.8 mi away

  4. Winter Star Mountain

    Winter Star Mountain

    6,208 ft · 2.0 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Balsam Cone?

Balsam Cone is 6,596 feet (2,010 m) tall. It is in the Black Mountains, North Carolina.

How does Balsam Cone rank among the South Beyond 6,000?

At 6,596 feet, Balsam Cone is the 5th highest of the 40 peaks of the South Beyond 6,000. The highest is Mount Mitchell.

How hard is it to hike Balsam Cone?

The Black Mountain Crest Trail is Class 1, which means hiking on a trail. Yak rates the overall effort easy: 3 miles with 1,350 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to hike Balsam Cone?

Most people take 3 – 5 hours round trip on the Black Mountain Crest Trail, covering 3 miles with 1,350 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.

Can a beginner hike Balsam Cone?

Usually, if you are fit. The Black Mountain Crest Trail is a common first summit for hikers ready for 3 – 5 hours on their feet. Bring layers, food and water, and check the weather before you start.

When is the best time to hike Balsam Cone?

The usual hiking window is April to November. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.

Climb Balsam Cone with Yak

Plan your route on a topo map, check the summit forecast, then log your climb and see what is left on your list

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