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.
As I neared the parking area at the end of the Black Balsam Knob Access Road the trail became quite wet in spots.
The prking area at the access road was packed, as you can see here. From this parking area you can also access the Flat Laurel Creek Trail which leads past Sam Knob to NC-215.
The only problem with taking the Ivestor Gap Trail back is that you have to follow the Black Balsam Knob access road a quarter mile or so back to the Art Loeb parking area. A great day on the trail regardless!!
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