This hike has my vote for the premier hike in North Carolina. The Art Loeb Trail leads from the Black Balsam Mountain parking area over 4 peaks above 6000 feet to Shining Rock Mountain. This is one of the largest areas of open bald in the NC mountains.
Looking north along the ridge I have travelled. Tennent Mt is the closest but it almost completely blends in with the massive summit ridge of Black Balsam Knob beyond.
The familiar twin summits of Sam Knob are clearly visible to the Southwest.
The colors on this hike were amazing. The reds of the huckleberry bushes contrast with the green of the rhododendrons against a clear blue sky. Perfect.
As you can see in this photo calling the route to the summit of Grassy Cove Top a "trail" is being generous.
This beautiful plant was quite common along the open ridge and grows to well over 6 feet in height. I just thought the red berries against the cobalt sky were beautiful.
As you approach Flower Gap Shining Rock is clearly visible rising beyond the next rise in the ridge-Flower Knob.
The view east as you travel the ridge north of Grassy Cove Top. Mt. Pisgah(5721') is the pointed peak at the left end of the ridge.
Descending through the Huckleberry towards Flower Gap.
From Flower Gap the Art Loeb continues north over Flower Knob.
As the trail drops off the north side of Flower Knob you drop back into the trees.
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