October 14, 2025
Sam Knob & Black Balsam Knob Loop
near Balsam, NC
It was a cloudless, sunny day with light winds and cool early fall temperatures of low 50's to mid-60's . . . just right for a hike. Unfortunately, we were a week or so late to catch the best fall colors, except the views from Devil's Courthouse Overlook to the lower, southward, elevations which were better. Also, the trails were a bit more of a challenge than expected with deep "trenching" from extensive use, rains, little run-off control and the lack of any apparent maintenance. In many sections, the trails are very rocky or rooty requiring careful footing and slow going. Nevertheless, the rewards of this hike are spectacular, almost endless, mountain views. This is a moderate to difficult hike, difficult mostly from the trail conditions, but to a lesser extent from the two fairly steep mountain climbs.
Today's Hikers: Bobbie Broussard, Jane Voss, Matt Henderson & Toby and Mike Bell
The route
6.9 mi · 1,617 ft climbing · 5h 36m out, 4h 32m walking · 1.5 mph moving
Elevation
Hover over the profile to see the elevation and steepness. Your position will be shown on the map.
- Steepness
- Gentle under 5%
- Moderate 5–10%
- Steep 10–15%
- Very steep over 15%
35 photos are shown on the map where they were taken — click one to see it full size.
Photos (35)
One of the more colorful views today was from Devil's Courthouse looking south. Photo by Jane Voss. Today's Hikers (L-R): Bobbie, Matt & Toby, Jane & Mike on Sam Knob. We started our hike with a visit to Devil's Courthouse where legend says, "the devil held court in the cave that lies beneath the rock." Photos by Jane Voss. It's a steep climb up a short gravel, then rocky trail, to Devil's Courthouse. A neat directional marker, identifying the surrounding mountains and landmarks visible from the overlook" including Rabun Bald, 33 miles to the southwest. Photo by Jane Voss. Jane, Matt and Toby enjoying a few views on Devil's Courthouse. A group photo on Devil's Courthouse. Headed up Little Sam Trail. Photo by Jane Voss. Jane fancied this Rock Tripe (L) and gnarly Fraser fir (R) on our way to Sam Knob. Photos by Jane Voss. We did see quite a bit of this Blue Wood Aster along all of the trails today. A view of Sam Knob from the trail with Mountain Ash sporting distinctive red-berry clusters, a common site on this hike. Jane checking out something as we progress along a rocky "trench," aka trail, toward Sam Knob. Crossing a branch feeding Flat Laurel Creek as we head to Sam Knob. Toby taking a big drink in another branch of Flat Laurel Creek. Flat Laurel Creek. Photo by Jane Voss. Still smiling. We're getting closer! Seriously, these trails seem to be getting deeper. I think the climb was worth it. Photo by Jane Voss. Jane took this panoramic photo to the southwest from Sam Knob. Lunch time on Sam's Knob, right Toby? Photo by Jane Voss. Next stop Black Balsam Knob, upper left rise, via the trail through the meadow. Bobbie and Jane heading through a Yellow Birch grove on the trail to Black Balsam. Check out that moon over Sam Knob as we hike toward Black Balsam. A bit of fall color still in those hills. Nice orange-reds in this Maple. Photo by Jane Voss. As we head up Black Balsam, Bobbie is wondering if these rocky trails will ever end . . . not today. Looking back toward Sam Knob from just below Black Balsam Knob. A nice view toward the southeast from Black Balsam Knob. Photo by Jane Voss. Another view to the southwest from Black Balsam. Only three of us made the final climb up Black Balsam. Perhaps we should have kept our hats on? More reds. This time from the Blueberry bushes this area is known for. A final vista to the south as we head down the bedrock face of Black Balsam Knob. After hiking much of the day in the sun, it was nice to pass through the high shade of the Art Loeb Trail on our way back. Trail's end. Retracing our path. Super job everyone!! Photo by Jane Voss.