Chasing Panoramas: Hiking the Art Loeb Trail to Black Balsam Knob & Tennent Mountain

Dec 4

If you’ve ever dreamed of hiking through open, windswept balds with 360-degree mountain views, the Art Loeb Trail in Pisgah National Forest is calling your name. One of the most iconic sections of this trail takes you to Black Balsam Knob and, if you’re up for a bit more adventure, continues on to Tennent Mountain. With a variety of trailheads, waterfalls, and lush forests along the way, it’s a hike that delivers big rewards without a full multi-day commitment.

Why Black Balsam Knob is Special

Perched at 6,214 feet, Black Balsam Knob is one of the highest points along the Art Loeb Trail. Unlike the dense forests you’ll encounter earlier in the hike, the knob opens to grassy “balds” — wide, exposed meadows with sweeping views in every direction. On a clear day, you can see the Pisgah National Forest stretching out beneath you, with ridges rolling into the Shining Rock Wilderness and beyond.

If you continue a bit farther along the trail, Tennent Mountain adds another ridge with stunning panoramic views, making it perfect for hikers who want a longer day adventure. From spring wildflowers to crisp fall foliage, this hike is a year-round favorite for both locals and visitors. Pack layers, plenty of water, and a camera — the views are worth it.

Trail Access Options

Option 1: Black Balsam Road Trailhead (Short & Easy)

This is the quick route to the balds, perfect if you’re short on time or just want the summit views:

Distance: ~0.75–1 mile one-way (~1.5–2 miles round-trip)
Elevation Gain: ~400–500 ft
Highlights:
- Starts in shaded forest before opening into the grassy balds
- Minimal effort to reach Black Balsam Knob summit
- Panoramic 360° views at the top
Extension: Add ~1.5 miles to reach Tennent Mountain for a longer ridge walk and extra vistas

Option 2: Graveyard Fields Trailhead (Longer & Scenic)

For those seeking a full-day hike, starting at Graveyard Fields adds waterfalls, streams, and forested meadows along the way:

Distance: ~3.5 miles one-way to Black Balsam (~7 miles round-trip; ~9 miles round-trip if including Tennent Mountain)
Elevation Gain: ~1,000 ft
Highlights:
- Begin with the beautiful waterfalls of Graveyard Fields
- Hike through lush hardwood forests and open meadows
- Gradually ascend to Black Balsam Knob
- Optional extension to Tennent Mountain for more panoramic ridgeline views

This route is ideal if you want to experience a mix of forest, streams, and open summits all in one hike.

What to Expect on the Trail

Forest sections: Cool shade, streams, and small waterfalls (especially from Graveyard Fields)
High-elevation balds: Open, windy, and exposed — layers are essential, even in summer
Views: 360° from Black Balsam Knob; additional ridgeline views from Tennent Mountain
Difficulty: Easy–Moderate from Black Balsam Road; Moderate–Strenuous from Graveyard Fields

Ecusta RV Park · Fall Guide

When does fall foliage actually peak near Pisgah Forest?

A local, elevation-by-elevation guide — so you know exactly which week to book if peak color at the park is what you're after.

If you've searched "when is peak leaf season in the NC mountains," most guides point you to the same handful of high-elevation overlooks. Great advice — if you're headed there. But color doesn't hit all at once. It rolls downhill, elevation by elevation, over about six weeks — and Pisgah Forest sits lower than most of what usually gets written about.

The short version

Brevard and the Pisgah Forest valley sit at roughly 2,000–3,000 ft — and per the current 2026 regional forecast, that elevation band peaks October 16–30. If local color is what you're planning your trip around, that's your window.

How color moves down the mountain

Based on the 2026 Blue Ridge fall color forecast, updated by local forecasters in July 2026. These are estimates — actual timing shifts a little year to year with rainfall and temperature.

Sept 25 – Oct 1

6,000+ ft

First color of the season — mostly spotty and muted this high up. Graveyard Fields and Rough Ridge, both off the Blue Ridge Parkway, are usually first to turn, with vivid reds and oranges.

Oct 1 – 16

4,000–5,000 ft

Peak color reaches most of the higher Blue Ridge Parkway and the upper Great Smoky Mountains, including Linn Cove Viaduct.

This is us

Oct 16 – 30

2,000–3,000 ft — Brevard & Pisgah Forest

Named directly in the regional forecast: Brevard, Asheville, Hendersonville, DuPont State Forest, and the lower stretches of the Parkway all peak in this two-week window. This is the stretch to book if you want the valley itself — not just the overlooks — glowing.

Oct 30 – Nov 6

Below 2,000 ft

The last color of the season, in the lowest valleys — Lake Lure, Chimney Rock, and similar low-elevation spots further out.

Planning around it

Two honest ways to plan a trip here, depending on what you want to see.

One trip, high country

Come in the first two weeks of October for the parkway overlooks and highest peaks — expect the valley around the park to still be mostly green.

One trip, our valley

Book October 16–30 for the Pisgah Forest / Brevard color itself — the drive into town, the Davidson River, the whole valley lit up.

Book your window

Sites fill up fast once the forecast firms up each year — let us know which week you're eyeing and we'll help you time it.

Check availability

Jana Poirier