This is THE premier long-distance hiking trail in the Pisgah Ranger District. Mile-for-mile there may be no finer long distance footpath in the state. Six thousand foot summits, miles of open southern bald, towering granite plutons, and an amazing diversity of forest types are all represented along this 30-mile route. Backpackers typically hike the entirety of the trail in three to four days, but the Art Loeb is also conducive for day hikes as a handful of trailheads are spread out at varying intervals along its length. Traditionally the trail is split up into three sections:
Section Oneis the northernmost, running from Camp Daniel Boone down along the incredibly beautiful spine of the Shining Rock Ridge, and ending at the busy trailhead along Black Balsam Road. This is the most wildly popular section of the trail, deservedly so, providing access to five 6,000-foot peaks as well as the heart of the Shining Rock Wilderness.
Section Tworuns from Black Balsam Road down to Forest Service Road 475 at Gloucester Gap. This is a transitional section of the trail as the route drops from the high elevation forests of the Pisgah Ridge to the mid-elevation hardwood forests more commonly seen throughout the rest of the District.
Section Threeruns the relatively low ridge connecting Gloucester Gap with the Davidson River area. This section is almost entirely tree covered, and deceptively challenging as it rises and falls over numerous minor summits along the way.
Art Loeb Trail Map (Section #1 -- Camp Daniel Boone Trailhead to Deep Gap)
Route map of the Art Loeb Trail (Camp Daniel Boone Trailhead to Deep Gap) as tracked by the Gaia GPS app and depicted a la Google Earth...
Art Loeb Trail Map (Section #1 -- Camp Daniel Boone Trailhead to Deep Gap)
Route map of the Art Loeb Trail (Camp Daniel Boone Trailhead to Deep Gap) as tracked by the Gaia GPS app...
Camp Daniel Boone -- 3,200'
The official northern trailhead for the Art Loeb Trail is located here, at Camp Daniel Boone. Though a private Boy Scout Camp hikers are welcome to drive in to utilize the trail...
Art Loeb Trailhead (Camp Daniel Boone) -- 3,270'
This is the northern terminus of the Art Loeb Trail at Camp Daniel Boone. The trail begins alongside the large informational kiosk seen here...
Art Loeb Trail -- 3,290'
Right out of the gate you get a taste of what you'll be dealing with over the next number of miles...a steep, rocky trail...
Art Loeb Trail -- 3,320'
In short order the trail passes the boundary sign for the Shining Rock Wilderness...this means precious few signs and no blazes for the next eight miles...
Art Loeb Trail -- 3,350'
Luckily the steep ascent is made a tad easier by way of a handful of switchbacks like this one...
Art Loeb Trail -- 3,400'
Massive rock outcrops rise above...
Art Loeb Trail -- 3,450'
Needless to say, this is a section of trail you really shouldn't attempt unless you're in decent shape...
Art Loeb Trail -- 3,500'
The trail as it cuts across the steep slope...
Art Loeb Trail -- 3,550'
About a half-mile in the trail turns back to the north to follow the route of what appears to be an old logging road...
Art Loeb Trail -- 3,600'
The grade eases up a bit at this point but, as you can see, the terrain is no less rugged...
Art Loeb Trail -- 3,650'
The Art Loeb is now ascending along the east face of the high ridge located to the north of Scapecat Branch...
Art Loeb Trail -- 3,700'
Another rough, steep stretch of trail...
Art Loeb Trail -- 3,800'
Joining up with another old logging road...
Art Loeb Trail -- 3,850'
The steep slopes have given the trees growing on it a distinct lean...
Art Loeb Trail -- 3,920'
The trail as it makes its eastward turn at the end of the ridge north of Scapecat Branch...
Art Loeb Trail -- 3,880'
Something a bit different for a change...a descent...
Art Loeb Trail -- 3,920'
The downhill walk is brief, and soon the trail gets back to the steep climb...
Art Loeb Trail -- 3,980'
A curious old log...notice the spiral pattern to the exposed wood...
Art Loeb Trail -- 4,000'
As the Art Loeb passes the 4,000-foot mark it's now entering the drainage of the unnamed southern tributary of Sorrell Creek...
Art Loeb Trail -- 3,990'
Gently dropping again...
Art Loeb Trail -- 3,970'
If you pay close attention you'll notice the surrounding forest subtly changing composition as the trail climbs...
Art Loeb Trail -- 4,000'
The hardwood forest in this area is stunningly lush...
Art Loeb Trail -- 4,020'
The steepness of the terrain is quite well-camouflaged by the thick foliage covering it...
Art Loeb Trail -- 4,040'
Climbing steadily once again...
Art Loeb Trail -- 4,060'
The sound of running water can be heard ahead at this point, signalling that the trail is nearing the head of the drainage...
Art Loeb Trail -- 4,080'
Running water ahead...
Art Loeb Trail -- 4,080'
The Art Loeb as it hops across the tiny unnamed southern tributary of Sorrell Creek...
Art Loeb Trail -- 4,080'
The view downstream from the above crossing is beautiful...
Art Loeb Trail -- 4,100'
The grade increases once again past the tributary...
Art Loeb Trail -- 4,150'
The rhododendron press in for a bit...
Art Loeb Trail -- 4,200'
This next section of trail is a winding one as the route curves in and out of numerous creases in the side of the ridge...
Art Loeb Trail -- 4,240'
Needless to say, this is another beautiful section of trail to hike during color season...
Art Loeb Trail -- 4,260'
Even the trail itself had a noticeable slant to it along this stretch...
Art Loeb Trail -- 4,300'
Passing a nice spot to pitch a tent...
Art Loeb Trail -- 4,350'
The narrow trail continues its meandering journey up the side of the ridge...
Art Loeb Trail -- 4,400'
Though there isn't much to see but trees, the trails surroundings are still quite beautiful...
Art Loeb Trail -- 4,430'
The trail as it veers into the drainage of Sorrell Creek...
Art Loeb Trail -- 4,420'
Looking up yet another secondary drainage...
Art Loeb Trail -- 4,420'
Dog-hobble and rocks dominate the surroundings here...
Art Loeb Trail -- 4,460'
Entering yet another steep-sided ravine...
Art Loeb Trail -- 4,500'
A look back at a particularly steep slope the trail just cut across...
Art Loeb Trail -- 4,520'
Mixing things up a bit now, the trail turns into a rock hop as it crosses an old rock slide...
Art Loeb Trail -- 4,550'
The steep, rocky climb continues...
Art Loeb Trail -- 4,600'
Looking back down the steep trail, now surrounded in laurel...
Art Loeb Trail -- 4,680'
There is less than a half-mile to go now to reach Deep Gap and, if anything, the route gets even steeper...
Art Loeb Trail -- 4,720'
Don't be surprised if, like these photos suggest, you find yourself ascending into the clouds on this section of the Art Loeb...