Looking for the best hikes near Asheville? One of our favorites is Black Balsam Knob. It offers some of the most spectacular mountain balds in the Southern Appalachians. Located at milepost 420.2 on the Blue Ridge Parkway (just 26 miles from Asheville), this hiking trail system includes the stunning peaks of Black Balsam Knob, Sam Knob, and Tennent Mountain. As an added bonus, this favorite hike is an easy drive to many of our Yonder Luxury Vacation Rentals!
Note: Please use Route 276 from Brevard or Canton to get to the BRP. Then follow Blue Ridge Parkway to milepost 420.
Experience High-Altitude Mountain Balds
At 6,214 feet elevation, these treeless mountaintops in Pisgah National Forest create an alpine-like atmosphere rare in North Carolina. The sweeping panoramic views above 6,000 feet are more reminiscent of New England than the Southeast, making Black Balsam Knob the 23rd highest peak among North Carolina’s mountains over 6,000 feet.
Popular Hiking Options
- Quick Adventure: Hike just a half-mile to reach the first scenic balds
- Recommended 5-Mile Loop Trail:
- Begin at the Mountains to Sea Trail marker
- Follow the Art Loeb Trail through alpine forest
- Summit Black Balsam Knob
- Continue to Tennent Mountain (6,040 ft)
- Return via the Ivestor Gap Trail
Essential Hiking Tips
- Weather: Temperatures are typically 15-20 degrees cooler than Asheville
- Best Time to Visit: Early morning for fewer crowds
- Season: Peak hiking from May through October
- Spring wildflowers and rhododendron bloom: Late May to early June
- Fall foliage: Early October
- Sun Protection: Bring sunscreen for exposed trails
- Winter Access: Limited due to frequent Parkway closures
Camping Information
- Backcountry camping available on balds (1,000 ft from trails)
- Bear-resistant food canisters required
- No campfires within Shining Rock Wilderness
- Mt. Pisgah campground nearby for developed camping options
Getting There
Directions from Asheville:
- Currently, you’ll need to use Route 276 from Brevard or Canton to get to the BRP
- Follow Blue Ridge Parkway to milepost 420
- Look for “Black Balsam” sign
- Located between Graveyard Fields and Devil’s Courthouse
- Approximately one-hour scenic drive from Asheville
- Parking available at multiple trailheads
For current trail conditions and advisories, contact Pisgah Forest ranger station: 828-877-3265
Similar Hiking Experiences: Consider exploring Roan Mountain or Max Patch for comparable scenic mountain bald hikes in Western North Carolina.
If you would like more information on Black Balsam or any other hiking options, please feel free to contact our guest experience team at 888-699-2987 or click on this link for our contact form. We’re available 7 days a week from 7A – 7P. We would love to help you plan your next mountain adventure.
Have a look at the video below from a recent hike up to Tennent Mountain and Balsam Knob:
