Art Loeb Trail
Trail
31.1 mile
50.1 kilometer
point to point
Difficult
Elevation
Ascent:
7,578'
2,310 m
Descent: -6,409' -1,954 m
High: 6,194' 1,888 m
Low: 2,138' 652 m
Grade
Avg Grade: 9% (5°)
Max Grade: 66% (33°)
Dogs
Leashed
Weather
Unknown
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“One of the longest and more difficult trails in NC; this also ranks as one of the most popular.”
— Zane Ray
Features
Birding · Fall Colors · Views · Wildflowers · Commonly Backpacked
Bear canisters are required for all backcountry camping. No campfires in the Shining Rock Wilderness
Overview
Taken in its entirely, the 30+ mile Art Loeb Trail traverses many significant peaks in North Carolina, which provides ample places to stop to take in the panoramic views. The trail begins with a long and, at times, steep incline at first, but quickly begins a gently rolling descent to the end point.
Many turn this trail into a multi-day trip, but be aware of other trail users who break the trail into segments for day use.
Many turn this trail into a multi-day trip, but be aware of other trail users who break the trail into segments for day use.
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:
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:
Flora & Fauna
Rhododendrons, mountains laurels, oak and maple trees. Many species of wildflowers.
Hiked this trail?
We need help with the following missing trail information:
Family Friendly, ADA Accessible, Need to Know, History & Background
Contacts
Land Manager: USFS - Pisgah National Forest, Pisgah Ranger District
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Check-Ins
Apr 6, 2019
SUMANTH R
Gorgeous views. Went there for sunrise. Started from mile 19.4 and did a loopback on investor gap trail
5.4mi
—
3h 22m
Nov 2, 2018
Jacob Cantrell
Hiked South to North, beautiful hike with some challenging uphill sections. Can't wait to do it again!
Sep 24, 2018
Bodhisattva Robinson
staying on black balsam can be scary... 60 mph winds... but amazing views
31mi
Feb 23, 2018
Ian Gibson
We day hiked section three and added the quick hike up cold mountain at the end. Super worth it & we took our time stopping for tons of pictures!
6.8mi
Sep 19, 2017
Elle Ziel
I have Tennent Mountain to myself tonight. Bob Dylan on the backpacking Bluetooth speaker, boxed wine, and my dog snuggled in the tent. 360° views....
Sep 17, 2017
mtndoc Bell
Climbed to Cold Mountain and back to Art alien Western TH. Tough trail but very cool. Lots of creeks and green in the forest. Great campsite!
10.5mi
Sep 2, 2017
Linden Terpstra
We hiked S to N - climbs were hard! See a video I put together here: https://vimeo.com/232766074
31.1mi
—
50h 00m
Sep 6, 2016
Jason Jones
This "trail" was designed by a "peak hunter". If you want a super extreme experience then this trail is for you. Our contingent hiked southbound.
26mi
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