Ivestor Gap Trail (#101)
Read MoreShining Rock Gap (Ivestor Gap, Art Loeb, & Old Butt Knob Trails) -- 5,750'
The northern terminus of the Ivestor Gap Trail is here, at Shining Rock Gap. In this shot, the Ivestor Gap trail departs the clearing to the left. As this is designated wilderness there is no sign. To the right the Art Loeb Trail departs north...
Ivestor Gap Trail @ Ivestor Gap -- 5,700'
It's always a good day on the trail when you get to pass one of these signs. Encompassing around 16,000 acres, the wilderness includes the entirety of the Shining Rock Ridge to the north of Ivestor Gap as well as much of the landscape surrounding it between the East and West Forks of the Pigeon River...
Ivestor Gap Trailhead @ Black Balsam Road -- 5,800'
The Ivestor Gap Trailhead, at the end of Black Balsam Road, is one of the busiest in the district. If you're arriving on any sunny weekend, and/or between May and October, you'll have get here extremely early to enjoy any semblance of calm setting out.