Near Art Loeb Trail
Art Loeb Spur to Black Balsam
Near Art Loeb Trail
Keep heading down to the left as you pass the giant quartz rocks
Near Art Loeb Trail
Keep heading straight to stay on the loop. Turning right takes you North on Art Loeb.
Near Art Loeb Trail
Many rocky portions heading up the trail.
Near Art Loeb Trail
Beginning of Cold Mountain.

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Hike Route

Art Loeb Trail

4.7 (64 Ratings)
One of the longest and more difficult trails in NC; this also ranks as one of the most popular.
29.4
mi
Distance
9,051
ft
Gain
strenuous
Difficulty
BirdingCommonly BackpackedFall ColorsViewsWildflowers
Access Issues
Bear canisters are required for all backcountry camping. No campfires in the Shining Rock Wilderness

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
29.41mi
Distance
9,051ft
Elevation Gain
7,922ft
Elevation Loss
40%
Max Grade
6,211ft
High Point
2,133ft
Low Point
Path Type
Point to Point
Description
Although one of the longest and more difficult trails in North Carolina, the 30.1-mile Art Loeb Trail still ranks as one of the more popular routes in the area. And no wonder, traveling mainly along peaks and ridges, the trail offers many outstanding panoramic views along the way. Along its route the Art Loeb Trail traverses several significant peaks, including Black Balsam Knob (6214 feet), Tennant Mountain (6040 feet) and Pilot Mountain (5072 feet). The trail also skirts the base of Cold Mountain which was made famous by the novel and Hollywood film.Many hikers use the Art Loeb for extended backpacking trips, while others use shorter sections for day hikes, or use connecting trails to form several outstanding loop hikes. Most of the trail is overlapped by the Mountains-to-the Sea Trail which is blazed with 3-inch white dots.This trail is commonly divided into four separate sections, and more information about the individual sections can be found here:Section 1Section 2Section 3Section 4

Route Conditions

Report Conditions
No Condition Reports
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Contributors
Kevin Murray