Where: Black Balsam Knob

Meet: Ironwood Square, Conserving Carolina’s office, 847 Case Street, Hendersonville, NC, at 8:30 a.m.

6.5 miles, moderate; trail type – lollipop

Approximately 1 hour and 15 minute drive

This hike occurs in Pisgah National Forest (Pisgah Ranger District) off of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Leaving out from the parking area, hikers will follow Ivestor Gap Trail to the Art Loeb Trail and to the peak of Grassy Cove Top, then returning on the Art Loeb Trail following it to Tennant Mountain and Black Balsam Knob, picking up the Black Balsam Summit Trail for a bit before returning to the Art Loeb Trail, then the Art Loeb Spur Trail back to the parking area.

All three peaks are above 6,000′ in elevation, and at 6,214′, Black Balsam Knob is the 23rd highest of the 40 mountains in North Carolina over 6,000′.  The unique, treeless, grassy balds along this route offer spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding mountains!  If we plan it right, we might be there at the onset of autumn!

Pre-registration is mandatory, and space is limited to 20 participants. RSVP below. 

If the hike is full and you’d like to be added to a waiting list, please email Pam Torlina (email address below).

Contact [email protected] with additional questions.

Conserving Carolina is sponsoring a Friday hiking series this fall, free, guided, and open to the public. The hikes will meet at various locations (noted for each date) and will leave promptly at 8:45 a.m. Hikers should plan to return to the area in the late afternoon, time varying with group size, distance of hike, and drive time. Car-pooling will be organized at the meeting locations. If you’re coming from an area closer to the trailhead, please contact Pam Torlina (email above and number below) to make other meeting arrangements.

Be sure to wear appropriate clothing and sturdy footwear. Bring a bag lunch and/or snack and plenty of water for yourself.

In case of inclement weather, please contact Pam Torlina by email at: pam@conservingcarolina by 8:00 on the day of the hike and/or check the Conserving Carolina website ‘calendar’ and/or Facebook page to see if the hike will take place. Please also remember to bring any medication that you may need in the event of an emergency (ie: epinephrine, nitroglycerine, insulin, etc.). Hike leaders will carry a first aid kit; however, it may not contain specific medication for your individual needs.

Before each hike, you will be asked to sign a waiver form. For your safety, do not attempt any hike beyond your ability and experience. This schedule is subject to change.