Sams Knob Black Balsam Hiking

Sam Knob Summit Hiking Trail (Brevard)

Hiking Trails

Sams Knob Hiking Trail

The Sam Knob Summit Hiking Trail is considered one of the “Best Hikes In Asheville.” This 2.2-mile out and back hike starts at 5,800 feet in elevation and ascends through a “Canadian” ecosystem of evergreen forests and expansive meadows until it reaches the double peak of Sam Knob at 6,050 feet. Many say the 360-degree view from this 6,000-foot bald mountain is the best in Western North Carolina. You can do an out and back hike on the Sam Knob trail or you can do a loop by adding the Flat Laurel Creek Trail. The loop will add another 3.5 miles to the total hike. Located in the Black Balsam/Shining Rock Wilderness area of Western North Carolina. The trail begins at the Black Balsam Road parking area and ascends 400 feet to the summit.

Directions from Asheville:  Merge onto I-240 W/US-70 W.  Keep right at the fork to continue on I-26 E, follow signs for Interstate 240 W/Interstate 26 E/Interstate 40.  Take exit 33 for North Carolina 191 toward Blue Ridge Parkway.  Use the left 2 lanes to turn left onto NC-191 S/Brevard Rd.  Turn right onto Blue Ridge Pkwy.  Turn right onto Black Balsam Knob Rd.  Destination will be on left.

The Adventure Collective

The Adventure Collective publishes a series of outdoor adventure sports guides to adventures in Asheville, Boone, Brevard, Chattanooga, Charleston and The Great Smoky Mountains.

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