Art Loeb Trail

A linking of outstanding trails in Pisgah National Forest, which memorializes the late Arthur J. Loeb, who was an officer of the Carolina Mountain and executive of Olin Industries who was held in high esteem by associates in hiking, conservation, and industry. The trail offers an ideal venture for Boy Scouts or anyone seeking to extend hiking experience. The entire trail is marked with direction signs. Blaze: White

Section 1 (12.3 mi- Strenuous) starts on US 276. Go 0.2 mile south of Pisgah District Ranger Station on U.S. Highway 276, and turn onto the road to Davidson River Campground. Park in the Art Loeb Trailhead parking lot. The trail climbs to Neil Gap behind Davidson River Campground, west to Chesnut Knob, south of Cedar Rock, to Gloucester Gap on FS Rd. 471, where overnight parking is not recommended.

Section 2 (7.2 mi- Strenuous) From Gloucester Gap the trail climbs to Pilot Mountain, a former fire tower site with a 360-degree view. In mid-May the north side of Pilot Mountain is abloom with pinkshell azalea. The trail continues through Farlow Gap, across Blue Ridge Parkway at Shuck Ridge, then across Silvermine Bald to Black Balsam trailhead. Near Silvermine Bald the Mountains-to-Sea Trail splits to the west while the Art Loeb Trail follows the ridge northeast to FS Road 816.

Section 3 (6.8 mi- Strenuous) The first half of this portion of the Art Loeb Trail is perhaps the most spectacular. Black Balsam and Tennant Mountains both exceed 6,000 feet in elevation. The trail climbs to Black Balsam Knob, across Tennant Mountain, entering Shining Rock Wilderness at Ivestor Gap.  A beautiful 5-mile loop may be made by combining the Art Loeb Trail with the Ivestor Gap Road. At Ivestor Gap the Art Loeb crosses in Shining Rock Wilderness. Be prepared to practice map reading skills because there are no blazes or signs in the Wilderness. Wood fires are not permitted in Shining Rock and a group limit of 10 is enforced. Wilderness is managed for solitude and a primitive landscape; please help foster this by being quiet, choosing rest stops out of view, and using existing campsites. This section of the Art Loeb Trail ends at Deep Gap.

Section 4 (3.8 mi- Strenuous if starting from Camp Daniel Boone) drops down from Deep Gap, below Cold Mountain, to Daniel Boone Scout Camp off NC 215.  Please notify camp staff if you will be leaving a vehicle at the camp.