more stats

29.1 miles

Distance

6,912 ft

Climb

-7,969 ft

Descent

1 mile

High Point

-1,057 ft

Altitude change

2,195 ft

Altitude min

3,252 ft

Altitude start

2,195 ft

Altitude end

-0.7%

Grade

-78%

Grade max

68%

Grade min

14 miles

Distance climb

14 miles

Distance down

1 mile

Distance flat

Art Loeb Details

Activities
- Hike
- Trail Running
Riding Area

Pisgah Ranger District
Brevard, North Carolina
Difficulty Rating

Black Diamond Rate
Local Popularity
5 in Hiking [+]
- 5 in Trail Running
Global Ranking
#121329 in Hiking [+]
- #128242 in Trail Running
Hiking SAC Scale

T3 Demanding Mountain Hiking
Trail Type

Singletrack
Direction

Both Directions
Physical Rating

Hard
Trail Visibility

Sometimes hard to follow
Season

Year-Round, Best During Fall & Early Winter
Family Friendly

Yes
Dogs Allowed

Yes
eBike Allowed

No
Ride in Rain

Yes
Land Owner

USFS

The Art Loeb is a cornerstone hiking trail in the Pisgah Ranger District. Roughly 50k in length, it's northern terminus is Camp Daniel Boone near Waynesville/Canton - it's southern terminus is at the Davidson River Campground near Brevard. Backpackers often divide the trail into a 2-3 day trip, while ambitions trail runners frequently attempt a single-day traverse. Fall and early winter provide the best chance for favorable weather, vehicle access, and dependable drinking water. That said, the trail is open year-round and there are undoubtedly backpackers and runners on the trail every weekend of the year.

North to south, the trail begins with a steady climb into Shining Rock Wilderness and is easy to follow for the first few miles. The trail levels out in a clearing, where the Cold Mountain Summit Trail spurs to the left. The Art Loeb continues to the right. "The Narrow" lie ahead, arguably one of the most challenging section and one that can be hard to follow at times. There are no trail blazes or markings as the trail follows the narrow ridgeline. Check your map frequently to make sure you're on track. In most of wilderness areas in NC, trails are neither signed or blazed, and should you become injured, the only way out is on foot. Cell reception is also extremely limited through much of the route. Verizon tends to offer better service than AT&T, the best chances coming from the higher elevations and mountain peaks.

After departing from Shining Rock Wilderness, the trail crosses over the summits of Tennent Mountain and Black Balsam Knob, both popular day hiking destinations thanks to the 360-degree views from their summit. After crossing Black Balsam Knob, the trail dips down to a paved forest service road that is only accessible via the Blue Ridge Parkway. In the winter months, check road conditions since the parkway frequently closes.

For the next couple of miles, the trail co-aligns with the Mountains to Sea Trail, passing through dark forests, through open meadows, and along exposed rock formations. A well-marked intersection denotes the trail leads to the left, while the Mountains to Sea Trail continues straight. After a steep descent, you'll cross the BRP and continue along a long ridgeline to Farlow Gap.

Pilot Mountain lies ahead, a demanding climb from either direction. A small vista at the top awards views of the Great Balsam Mountains. Gloucester Gap comes next after a long descent off the back of the mountain. This is the only other opportunity for vehicle access if you need it.

The final ~13 miles of the Art Loeb are monotonous as the trail crosses over ever possible knob, high point, and mountain before ending at the Davidson River Campground. Since this section is closer to town, there are countless campsites and opportunities for shorter day hikes. Pay close attention to trail markings in this section as well, as several trails and unused logging roads intersect the trail along the final leg.

Dependable water can be found on the climb to Cold Mountain junction, after leaving Shining Rock Wilderness, near Farlow Gap, and a couple of miles after Gloucester Gap near the shelter. The water near Farlow Gap can be difficult to locate, but make sure you do since it's the last opportunity for a while. Many hikers make the mistake of skipping over the spring, expecting plenty more ahead.

Seasonal water is available all across Black Balsam Knob and Tennent Mountain, and a piped spring is available near the Sam Knob Trailhead on Ivester Gap if you really need some. Water is also available on Butter Gap Trail, maybe .5-miles from the junction with the Art Loeb.

Access Info

Camp Daniel Boone and Davidson River Campground can both be found with a Google Search. Black Balsam Knob is the same, though the point where the trail crosses the road can be confusing since it's not well marked. Look for the parallel parking spots, less than .5-miles up. There are usually an abundance of cars.

A 2-car pull-off is also available where the trail crosses the Blue Ridge Parkway, but again - be mindful of closures during the winter.

Gloucester Gap is the last access point along the trail and ~15 minutes from the NC State Fish Hatchery. At the gap, there are 3 accessible roads, and one permanately gated road. There is parking for 5 - 10 vehicles if you get creative. There is no set closure date for this road, but it can sometimes be closed during the winter as well.

Disclaimer

No bikes are allowed on any section of the Art Loeb. Please report any violators to the Pisgah Ranger Station - 828-877-3265.

Trail Supporters

White Dot Adventures
Sponsor
Carolina Mountain Club
Maintainer

Traditionally Indigenous Territory

Recent Activity on Trail

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6 Months

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Art Loeb Trail Reports

status	date	description
	Oct 5, 2020 @ 10:20am Oct 5, 2020	Small trees down across trail, can navigate over or around. Water source non existent at Balck Balsom knob area in-between Deep Gap Shelter and...
	Jul 13, 2020 @ 7:16am Jul 13, 2020
	Apr 16, 2020 @ 3:45pm Apr 16, 2020	reporter COVID-19
	Nov 27, 2019 @ 8:52am Nov 27, 2019	reporter The wildfire on Cold Mountain is now contained and the Art Loeb through Shining Rock Wilderness is open again.
	Nov 21, 2019 @ 4:48pm Nov 21, 2019	reporter The Art Loeb is closed through Shining Rock Wilderness due to a forest fire on Cold Mountain.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Art Loeb

▼ Where is Art Loeb located?

Art Loeb is located in Pisgah Ranger District, Brevard, North Carolina, United States. It is part of the Pisgah Ranger District trail network. The trailhead is located at coordinates 35.38847, -82.89719.

▼ How hard is Art Loeb?

Art Loeb is rated as Black Diamond difficulty. The physical rating is Hard. The average grade is 0.7%.

▼ What is the elevation gain for Art Loeb?

Art Loeb has 6,912 ft of elevation gain. The trail has 7,969 ft of elevation descent. The elevation ranges from 2,195 ft to 6,206 ft.

▼ Is Art Loeb a point to point trail?

Art Loeb is not a point to point trail. The direction is Both Directions. The trail type is singletrack.

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Art Loeb