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 Reporter |
Summary: The portion of the Art Loeb Trail is most spectacular. Black Balsam and Tennant Mountains both exceed 6,000 feet in elevation. The balds provide fantastic 360* views all around, and everywhere else is just about 180* views. Fantastic! The trail I've outlined in the TPO is a figure-8 loop, keeping to the Art Loeb trail in portions, taking an old forest-service road in others.This way you get the combined beauty of the Art Loeb trail with a mixture of wooded-views from the service-road (avoiding redundant stuff that comes with out-and-back hikes). Be wary of spring/summer storms on those balds!!!! Trailhead: From U.S. Highway 276, travel 8 miles south on the Blue Ridge Parkway and turn onto FS Road 816. Go 1 mile to the crest of the hill, where the trail crosses. (Lat:35.34486 Lon:-82.86811) Trail Guides for Art Loeb trail from BRP to Shining Rock: Best Seasons: Fall, Winter, User Groups: Hikers, Dogs, Bikes, Ranger Contact: US Forest Service - 828-257-4200 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Andrew Hall, who has posted 7 other hikes on this site. To visit this reporters web site, click here. Trail Reviews Page 1 of 2 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by David on 1/29/2008 Wonderful hike with great views of the Parkway and beyond. Always windy! 
Reviewed by TGH on 1/16/2008 I hiked the trail in August and the blue berrys were in full force. They made the pancakes 10 times better. ** there was very little water to be found** know where the water is beofre you go. The temp during the day was brezzy and hot, durning the day and still and cool at night. Over all a great overnite trip. When we arrived at the park site about 15 cars in the park and we thought darn to many people. We were wrong, we only ran into four other day hikers, so its not over run with people.
Reviewed by Wes on 12/11/2007 I did this hike this past weekend. If you have never been take a map! There are many trails, most of them not marked well. It is beautiful up there!!!
Reviewed by Rusty on 11/8/2007 Went with a 10-person Boy Scout group. 1 adult and 3 youth ventured from the saddle past the rock up to Cold Mtn. What a view! We went up in a rain cloud (I guess the rain was below us somewhere) and ended up on a summit for lunch with a beautiful smoky view of peaks above the weather. Beautiful hike. As Andrew mentioned, the old rail bed was a very pleasant hike back with friendly grades and nice woodland cool breezes.
Reviewed by TED on 7/22/2007 Incredible views, I hiked the entire 30 miles in 21 hours, ensure you have a good map and plenty of water, and water purification. Don't forget an extra pair of socks for after the rain showers that inevitably come in the higher elevations.
Reviewed by Buckoski on 7/31/2006 Nice trail, but could be better marked. Shining rock is beautiful but tough to get a scenic view once you summit due to the high trees. Make sure you have your compass or GPS as the trail intersects with about 3 other marked trails in addition to smaller trails it becomes very difficult to proceed.
Reviewed by Sarah on 6/8/2006 Some of the most spectacular views in NC. Watch out for sudden summer storms - no cover on most of this trail.
Reviewed by James on 4/20/2006 Amazing. Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: North Carolina Hiking, North Carolina Trails, North Carolina Hikes, Transylvania County Hiking, Transylvania County Trails, Transylvania County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||