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- Blackstock Knob
6,338 ft · Black Mountains, North Carolina
Blackstock Knob
Blackstock Knob is a 6,338 ft peak in the Black Mountains, North Carolina. The standard route is the Mountains-to-Sea Trail: 3 mi, 1,100 ft of gain, Class 1.
Blackstock Knob at a glance
- Elevation6,338 ft1,931 m
- RouteMountains-to-Sea TrailClass 1
- Distance3 mi1,100 ft gain
- Time2 – 4 hrsEasy effort
- SeasonApr – Nov
- RangeBlack MountainsNorth Carolina
Climbing the Mountains-to-Sea Trail
From Asheville, drive the Blue Ridge Parkway north to the Balsam Gap parking area at milepost 359.8 (also signed Walker Knob Overlook); roadside parking is banned in the Asheville watershed, so use the lot. The white-blazed Mountains-to-Sea Trail climbs about 1.5 mi through old spruce and fir and over mossy rock to the high point on the trail, which is the summit. It is Class 1 but steep and rooty. The out-and-back falls short of the SB6K minimum; instead continue east on the MST to NC 128 for a 5 mi one-way with a car shuttle. Expect cool, foggy and windy weather.
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
- Slippery terrain
- High winds
- Low visibility
- Rapid weather shifts
Quests with Blackstock Knob
South Beyond 6,000Peaks near Blackstock Knob
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Blackstock Knob?
Blackstock Knob is 6,338 feet (1,931 m) tall. It is in the Black Mountains, North Carolina.
How does Blackstock Knob rank among the South Beyond 6,000?
At 6,338 feet, Blackstock Knob is the 13th highest of the 40 peaks of the South Beyond 6,000. The highest is Mount Mitchell.
How hard is it to hike Blackstock Knob?
The Mountains-to-Sea Trail is Class 1, which means hiking on a trail. Yak rates the overall effort easy: 3 miles with 1,100 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to hike Blackstock Knob?
Most people take 2 – 4 hours round trip on the Mountains-to-Sea Trail, covering 3 miles with 1,100 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.
Can a beginner hike Blackstock Knob?
Usually, if you are fit. The Mountains-to-Sea Trail is a common first summit for hikers ready for 2 – 4 hours on their feet. Bring layers, food and water, and check the weather before you start.
When is the best time to hike Blackstock 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 Blackstock 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