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 Reporter |
Summary: This 10.2-mile day begins with aggressive accent to Beech Gap. This flat field will provide a nice shady spot for a well-earned break. Continue on BMT to Laurel Gap Shelter, which offers a picnic table and water source for a nice lunch spot. Return to the BMT and turn right for an easy grade to Luftee Knob. From here it is an easy ridge walk to the AT. On a clear day you will have views of Mt. Cammerer (little white spot on a cleared peak). Turn left on the AT and .02 miles turn left to shelter. Day 2 will provide an easy return using the same route. Depending on your level this maybe completed as a day hike as actually what I did on a long summer's day as the relief of high elevation hiking provided a cool temp day. Trailhead: Hwy 441 South, just past Oconaluftee Visitor Center turn left on Blue Ridge Parkway. 2.6 miles turn left on Heintooga Ridge Rd. 9 miles enter the one-way Balsam Mtn Road and 8.4 miles to Pin Oak Gap. Parking is on right. Notes: Balsam Mountain Road Open May to October Tri-Corner Knob Shelter requires free reservation permit Backcountry office 865-536-1297 Fill out backcountry permit at Ocanaluftee Visitor Center (Lat:35.63355 Lon:-83.17986) Trail Guides for Balsam Mtn Trail: Day & Overnight hikes in GSMNP by Johhny Malloy (Menasha Ridge Press) Day Hikes in GSMNP by Johnny Molloy () Best Seasons: Fall, Spring, Summer, User Groups: Hikers, Horses, Ranger Contact: Ocanaluftee Visitor Center 865-436-1200 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Bobby Trotter, who has posted 74 other hikes on this site Trail Reviews Submit your own review 
Reviewed by JQ on 12/27/2007 I have always enjoyed this hike and done it only as a day hike each time. My best part is the 4 mile fairly level stretch between Luftee Knob and the A.T. The two shelters along the way makes for three nice rest stops during the round trip day hike. At times during rainy weather, it can be very muddy and makes for slower hiking on a 20 mile day. Plan accordingly if you're doing this all in one day. If not, Tri-Corner Knob Shelter is an awesome place to stay. 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, Swain County Hiking, Swain County Trails, Swain County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||