High Knob Loop via Joel Branch Road and Art Loeb Trail
5.1 mi
Distance
2 hrs 39 min
Time
terrain
600 ft
Elev Gain
Overview
This is a moderate loop trail in Pisgah National Forest.
This trail goes by High Knob, Davidson River Campground, and Art Loeb Trailhead Parking.
Rate this Hike
★★★★★
This is a good walk for some exercise but not much in the way of scenery hence the four star rating. It starts an ends at the Davidson River Campground parking lot and is 5.6 miles long. Across the bridge the left onto the exercise trail along the Davidson River for a mile then right at the Art Loeb trailhead. The trail is initially steep and steadily uphill before it moderates somewhat after about half a mile. The Art Loeb section is 1.7 miles and intersects FR 5002 where you turn right and head downhill for a pleasant stroll that will bring you to a gate across the road at the Schenk job corps property. There's a sign depicting a hiker with No Throughfare written on it. Through the gate take an immediate right onto a grassy road which almost immediately becomes dirt and gravel and follow that until you see a trail on your right that will reconnect with the exercise trail on the Davidson and then left and return to the parking lot. There are a few trails connecting to the exercise trail from the Schenk property so if you miss the first one you'll still have a few more opportunities. This is a pleasant walk with a nice up and then a gradual downhill and good trail conditions throughout with no stream crossings or obstacles.
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