Date: 10/17/2023
Name: Sam Knob and Black Balsam Knob Loop in the southern Shinning Rock Wilderness of Pisgah National Forest
Distance: 6.8
Difficulty: Moderate
Total Climbing Elevation: 1,499
Type: One-Way
Notes: With heavy fog at the trailhead, we proceeded on to Sam Knob rather than have a foggy view on Devil's Courthouse. This was a good choice since the clouds cleared as we reached Sam Knob. Really beautiful views there and also on Black Balsam Knob. We encountered a wide range of environmental conditions with some early fog, snow and ice, rain from melting ice on overhead trees, very light winds and then sunny skies. Trail conditions were equally diverse with some narrow and wide paths over mud, smooth packed soil and small and large loose, stones. Most of these trails show extensive use with minimal maintenance resulting in shallow to numerous deep trenches and washouts. Despite a long drive, temperatures between 34 and 46 degrees, initial snow on the ground and a foggy start, this was very scenic and enjoyable hike! We followed this hike with a short, but steep walk up to Devil's Courthouse that we skipped earlier. It, too, turned out to be a beautiful and scenic hike!
AllTrails Link: Sam Knob and Black Balsam Knob Loop in the southern Shinning Rock Wilderness of Pisgah National Forest
Additional Search Terms: October