20 m away
Sam's Knob and Black Balsam Knob
An incredible trail run across bald summits and exposed overlooks.
Difficult Trail Running
- Distance
- 22 km
- Ascent
- 661 m
- Descent
- 661 m
Black Balsam & Sam Knob
This figure-8 links two of Pisgah's classic overlooks, Sam Knob and Black Balsam, both part of the SB6K Challenge.
Trail Running Difficult
- Distance
- 13 km
- Ascent
- 471 m
- Descent
- 471 m
- Duration
- 1-2 hrs
- Low Point
- 1.7 km
- High Point
- 1.9 km
- Gradient
- 7˚
This route begins at the end of Black Balsam road at the Sam Knob Parking Area. It links both peaks as a figure-8, with the center being the trailhead. Summit both, or just one, this is one of the most stunning areas to run in Pisgah.
Description
Restrooms are available at the trailhead, and two piped springs offer water along Ivestor Gap.
As mapped: Ivester Gap > Art Loeb Connector > Art Loeb > Ivestor Gap > Parking Lot > Sam Knob Trail > Flat Laurel Creek Trail
Difficulty
Difficult
Similar routes nearby
3.2 km away
Graveyard Fields Loop
A classic trail run in a high mountain valley with two waterfalls.
Moderate Trail Running
- Distance
- 5 km
- Ascent
- 115 m
- Descent
- 115 m
3.5 km away
Green Knob and Mount Hardy
An all seasons route to one of the best views in Western North Carolina.
Severe Trail Running
- Distance
- 15 km
- Ascent
- 590 m
- Descent
- 590 m
6.6 km away
Daniel Ridge Loop
A staple trail running loop with a 150' cascading waterfall.
Moderate Trail Running
- Distance
- 7.2 km
- Ascent
- 255 m
- Descent
- 255 m
6.7 km away
Haywood Gap / Buckeye Gap Loop
A lightly-traveled trail run through an old logging area turned wilderness.
Severe Trail Running
- Distance
- 12 km
- Ascent
- 565 m
- Descent
- 565 m
6.9 km away
Art Loeb Trail
A iconic and scenic trail running route best known for its traverse through Shining Rock Wilderness.
Difficult Trail Running
- Distance
- 46 km
- Ascent
- 2.3 km
- Descent
- 2.7 km
7.3 km away
Shining Rock via Old Butt Knob
A challenging and incredibly-steep approach to Shining Rock.
Severe Trail Running
- Distance
- 14 km
- Ascent
- 951 m
- Descent
- 951 m
9.4 km away
Cedar Rock Mountain
An incredibly challenging trail run requiring the use of fixed ropes to ascend Cedar Rock Mountain.
Extreme Trail Running
- Distance
- 12 km
- Ascent
- 558 m
- Descent
- 558 m
9.4 km away
John Rock
A classic trail run from the fish hatchery with phenomenal views from John Rock.
Moderate Trail Running
- Distance
- 9.3 km
- Ascent
- 409 m
- Descent
- 409 m
9.9 km away
Pink Beds Loop
A beautiful, relatively flat run through the historic Pink Beds Valley.
Easy Trail Running
- Distance
- 8.1 km
- Ascent
- 115 m
- Descent
- 115 m
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Guidebooks in this area
12 routes · Trail Running
Classic Trail Runs on the Blue Ridge Parkway, NC
6 routes · Trail Running
Beer City USA: 6 Must-Do Trail Runs and Local Breweries
17 routes · Hiking · Trail Running
I-40 Itinerary: Rad Trail Runs for Your Next Road Trip
10 routes · Trail Running
10 Epic Trail Runs of the Southeast USA
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