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- Black Balsam Knob
6,212 ft · Great Balsam Mountains, North Carolina
Black Balsam Knob
Black Balsam Knob is a 6,212 ft peak in the Great Balsam Mountains, North Carolina. The standard route is the Art Loeb Trail: 1 mi, 400 ft of gain, Class 1.
Black Balsam Knob at a glance
- Elevation6,212 ft1,893 m
- RouteArt Loeb TrailClass 1
- Distance1 mi400 ft gain
- Time1 – 3 hrsEasy effort
- SeasonApr – Nov
- RangeGreat Balsam MountainsNorth Carolina
Climbing the Art Loeb Trail
From Asheville, drive the Blue Ridge Parkway south to milepost 420.2 and turn onto Black Balsam Road (FR 816). Park on the shoulder about 0.7 mile in, where the Art Loeb Trail and Mountains-to-Sea Trail cross the road. Follow the Art Loeb north on Class 1 tread through fir and up an open grassy bald to the summit, which sits just north of the trail. The round trip is too short for SB6K credit; extend it along the Art Loeb over Tennent Mountain and loop back on the Ivestor Gap Trail (about 5 mi). The bald is fully exposed to wind, lightning, and fog. Parking fills early on summer and fall weekends.
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
- Storms
- Low visibility
- Rapid weather shifts
Quests with Black Balsam Knob
South Beyond 6,000Peaks near Black Balsam Knob
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Black Balsam Knob?
Black Balsam Knob is 6,212 feet (1,893 m) tall. It is in the Great Balsam Mountains, North Carolina.
How does Black Balsam Knob rank among the South Beyond 6,000?
At 6,212 feet, Black Balsam Knob is the 22nd highest of the 40 peaks of the South Beyond 6,000. The highest is Mount Mitchell.
How hard is it to hike Black Balsam Knob?
The Art Loeb Trail is Class 1, which means hiking on a trail. Yak rates the overall effort easy: 1 mile with 400 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to hike Black Balsam Knob?
Most people take 1 – 3 hours round trip on the Art Loeb Trail, covering 1 mile with 400 feet of elevation gain.
Can a beginner hike Black Balsam Knob?
Usually, if you are fit. The Art Loeb Trail is a common first summit for hikers ready for 1 – 3 hours on their feet. Bring layers, food and water, and check the weather before you start.
When is the best time to hike Black Balsam Knob?
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 Black Balsam Knob 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