- …
- Yak
- Quests
- South Beyond 6,000
- Sam Knob
6,079 ft · Great Balsam Mountains, North Carolina
Sam Knob
Sam Knob is a 6,079 ft peak in the Great Balsam Mountains, North Carolina. The standard route is the Sam Knob Trail: 2 mi, 550 ft of gain, Class 1.
Sam Knob at a glance
- Elevation6,079 ft1,852 m
- RouteSam Knob TrailClass 1
- Distance2 mi550 ft gain
- Time2 – 4 hrsEasy effort
- SeasonApr – Nov
- RangeGreat Balsam MountainsNorth Carolina
Climbing the Sam Knob Trail
From Asheville, drive the Blue Ridge Parkway south to milepost 420.2 and follow Black Balsam Road (FR 816) about a mile to the parking area at its end. The Class 1 Sam Knob Trail leaves the west side of the lot, dips through a wet meadow, then climbs on the summit path to a rocky, open top. There are two summits; the south one is thought to be higher, so tag both. The out-and-back is under the SB6K minimum, so extend it on the CMC Sam Knob Loop with Flat Laurel Creek (5.6 mi, 1,200 ft). The bare summit is exposed to storms, and overnight campers here must carry a bear-resistant canister.
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
- Boggy terrain
Quests with Sam Knob
South Beyond 6,000Peaks near Sam Knob
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Sam Knob?
Sam Knob is 6,079 feet (1,852 m) tall. It is in the Great Balsam Mountains, North Carolina.
How does Sam Knob rank among the South Beyond 6,000?
At 6,079 feet, Sam Knob is the 32nd highest of the 40 peaks of the South Beyond 6,000. The highest is Mount Mitchell.
How hard is it to hike Sam Knob?
The Sam Knob Trail is Class 1, which means hiking on a trail. Yak rates the overall effort easy: 2 miles with 550 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to hike Sam Knob?
Most people take 2 – 4 hours round trip on the Sam Knob Trail, covering 2 miles with 550 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.
Can a beginner hike Sam Knob?
Usually, if you are fit. The Sam Knob 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 Sam 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 Sam 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