Wow, the Art Loeb trail from the parkway past Shining Rock to Cold Mountain is one of my favorite hikes of all time. Yet very few folks, even in North Carolina, have hiked it or even know it exists.
The backpacking group at my university used to do the Art Loeb in one day as a feat of strength of sorts. One time a group got lost in a sudden rainstorm and had to be rescued by rangers.
Never did it myself, though I'd still like to, and I have hiked the section from Sam Knob/Black Balsam to Cold Mountain a few times. The Narrows is definitely the best part. The Appalachians aren't as impressive as mountains on the west coast, but being out them is just as satisfying -- I just wish they were closer to the urban areas.
We called the woods (all pines with no underbrush, perfect for camping) around Black Balsam the "enchanted forest", because, well, they were.
Hoka hey! I believe we may have been part of the same backpacking group :) .
As an interesting stat about this area, the bear population in Pisgah has rebounded sharply in the past few years. I have run into bears multiple times on this exact section, and bear cans are now required for camping north of the BRP in the park.
Agree that the Narrows is the best. Most people just stop at Shining Rock so they never get to the real gem. If that's what it takes to keep the trail empty, fine by me!
Absolutely. The main area near the parking lot can get a little hectic sometimes, but once you get away from there you're good to go!
I love 'The Narrows' stretch right before the base of the Cold Mountain summit. If you want a true test of mettle, instead of starting from Black Balsam knob, drive over to Canton and find Camp Daniel Boone boy scout camp. There you will find the Art Loeb trail head.
To get to the summit and back is 10.5 miles round trip & 3000 ft total elevation gain. Don't try this if you're not in shape haha! One of the most difficult hikes I know of in WNC but the feeling sitting on top of the rocks at the summit is magical. Very satisfying!
The Narrows was my favorite stretch as well! Art Loeb was the very first backpacking trip I did -- was just 14 at the time. I've been meaning to do it again so I can fully enjoy it this time around.
