October 17, 2023
Sam Knob and Black Balsam Knob Loop
in the southern Shinning Rock Wilderness of Pisgah National Forest
Today’s hike was off of the Blue Ridge Parkway in NC in the southern Shining Rock Wilderness of Pisgah National Forest With heavy fog at the trailhead, we proceeded on to Sam Knob rather than have a foggy view on Devil's Courthouse. This was a good choice since the clouds cleared as we reached Sam Knob. Really beautiful views there and also on Black Balsam Knob. We encountered a wide range of environmental conditions with some early fog, snow and ice, rain from melting ice on overhead trees, very light winds and then sunny skies. Trail conditions were equally diverse with some narrow and wide paths over mud, smooth packed soil and small and large loose, stones. Most of these trails show extensive use with minimal maintenance resulting in shallow to numerous deep trenches and washouts. Despite a long drive, temperatures between 34 and 46 degrees, initial snow on the ground and a foggy start, this was very scenic and enjoyable hike! We followed this hike with a short, but steep walk up to Devil's Courthouse that we skipped earlier. It, too, turned out to be a beautiful and scenic hike! This was a moderate to difficult hike.
Today's Hikers: Matt Henderson, Jenny Bell, Lynn Steele, Shelia Getman, Heather & Toby and Mike Bell.
The route
6.8 mi · 1,499 ft climbing · 5h 8m out, 4h 15m walking · 1.6 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%
25 photos are shown on the map where they were taken — click one to see it full size.
Photos (28)
A view to the southeast from Sam Knob. One of many great views today. Today's hikers (L-R): Matt, Jenny, Lynn, Mike, Shelia, Heather and Toby. Looks like an icy and foggy start! Photo by Heather Wall Waiting for us to return from dropping a car at the finish point. Burrrr! It's cold! It's icy and cold, but also very pretty. Lynn (L) and Shelia & Jenny (R) hiking down the snowy and icy trail. The sole mushroom example we saw today. Lynn Steele caught this beautiful reflection on Laurel Creek as we hiked up LIttle Sam Trail to Sam Knob. Crossing over Laurel Creek. A less than great section of the trail on the way to Sam Knob. On our way to Sam Knob the trail opens up a bit, but then the steep climb to the summit. Hey Mike, where are those vistas you promised? Ah, the summit! "I can see clearly now . . ." Heather checking out the view from Sam Knob. Finally a break. How's that PB&J, Matt? A view on Sam Knob by Lynn Steele of the prolific Mountain Ash with berries seen throughout the hike Across a large open area from Sam Knob on our way to Black Balsam Knob. Sam Knob in the background. Hey, a wildflower! Stiff Gentian seen along the trail on our way to Black Balsam Knob. It was actually a beautiful sight with the backlighting of the trees as it "rained" on us from the melting ice. More great views as we head up the Art Loeb Trail to Black Balsam Knob. Sometimes you just have to stop and take some pics. Toby says, "I'm waiting." Still not on Black Balsam Knob, but what a view! Black Balsam Knob . . . gorgeous! A view to the north and Tennent Mtn. as we take a short loop around Black Balsam and head to the finish.. Heather taking some final pics as we hike down Black Balsam. A rocky then wooded descent to finish up the hike. This Fraser Fir (I think) saying goodbye to us along the final stretch of the trail.