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Shining Rock Wilderness - Deep Gap from the Black Balsam TH via Art Loeb Trail

based on 44 tracks & routes #2 hike out of 34 in
9.3 mi
Distance
4 hrs 58 min
Time
terrain
1,204 ft
Elev Gain

Overview

This is a difficult one way trail in Shining Rock Wilderness. This starts at the extremely popular Black Balsam Trailhead, and it can be shortened for a more standard length day hike. As the route is shown, this is commonly done as a 1 day backpacking section on the Art Loeb Trail, with good camping at Deep Gap.

The start of the trail goes over Black Balsam Knob and Tennent Mountain, with gorgeous high elevation balds and 360º views. When you reach Ivestor Gap, this is the boundary of the Shining Rock Wilderness, and there is a kiosk and obvious sign. Many day hikers will turn around at this point or return on the flatter Ivestor Gap Trail. Be aware that there is little to no signage or trail blazes inside the wilderness area, so maps and navigational experience are required.

Shining Rock Gap is a popular camping location, but it can be crowded. The many trail junctions can also be confusing, so be careful to continue correctly on the Art Loeb Trail. From there to Deep Gap, there are some technical sections along an area known as The Narrows. This section is unique and a favorite with many hikers.

Deep Gap has good camping and many wildflowers in the summer. There is no close water, so plan accordingly.
At Deep Gap you can continue north to the summit of Cold Mountain or head southwest down the Art Loeb Trail to the terminus as Daniel Boon Scout Camp.

This trail goes by Black Balsam Knob, Tennent Mountain, Grassy Cove Top, Flower Knob, and Stairs Mountain.

Getting Started

Parking at the trailhead is along the side of Black Balsam Rd (FS816). It can be quite crowded, so arrive early in as few vehicles as necessary.

Taking Children

The Black Balsam area is popular for taking children.


Sights to See


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Public Tracks

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CheapCigarMan 6 years, 9 months ago
Art Loeb Section 3
trail_hike_comments: Starting at Black Balsam Road and going generally north, this is one of the most popular stretches of the Art Loeb trail as it crosses over the 6,200' summit of Black Balsam Knob. It then winds along the grassy summit of the ridge, including the summit of Tennent Mountain, before descending thru Ivestor Gap. The trail follows Shining Rock Ledge past Shining Rock itself - the quartzite rock outcrop which gave this wilderness area its name. It continues along the ledge at or above 5000' in elevation all the way to Deep Gap, where an out-and-back extension climbs up to the summmit of Cold Mountain., trail_bike_comments: None
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wyattcothran 11 years, 1 month ago
Art Loeb Section 3
Properties:, name: Art Loeb Section 3, segment: Art Loeb Section 3, mapid: 10, type: trail
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Chris 7 years, 4 months ago
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timjmartino 7 years, 10 months ago
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Rob 8 years, 3 months ago
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Rob 8 years, 3 months ago