The parking area for the Black Balsam Area is just a wide area along FR 816 about a half-mile from the Blue Ridge Parkway. The Art Loeb Trail, which I'll follow for most of the hike crosses the road here.

Within a quarter-mile you break out of the trees into the open. This view appears off to your right. You can see the Blue Ridge Parkway winding its way along the ridge 500 feet below.

The Art Loeb Trail heads over this rocky ridge as you ascend Black Balsam Knob.

After breaking out of the trees you get your first look at Black Balsam Knob, a half-mile away.

The Art Loeb Trail leaves the parking area and immediately enters a thick grove of Balsam trees.

At the top of the ridge in the previous photo views open up to the south. I believe the prominent peak to the left of center is Chestnut Bald(6040').

From the Art Loeb/summit trail split the views to the south and west are spectacular. The twin-peaked mountain closest is Sam Knob(6040'). Beyond rises the Great Balsam Range.

Looking 2000' down into the Middle Prong Wilderness from the Art Loeb/summit trail split. Beyond, rising to 6410' at Richland Balsam(aka. Balsam Cone) is the Great Balsam Range.

From the first rocky outcrop the trail drops slightly before ascending the main summit of Black Balsam Knob. The Art Loeb Trail officially heads to the left around the the summit as seen here. I would be taking the unofficial, but more heavily used, trail on the right to the summit.

This sign is found just above where the unofficial summit trail splits from the Art Loeb Trail.