Editor’s Be aware: This story was printed in our October difficulty earlier than Hurricane Helene devastated parts of western North Carolina and surrounding areas. Please test with native officers for entry advisories.
Blue Ridge backpackers love the Artwork Loeb Path for the 360-degree views of the encircling mountains seen whereas mountaineering this 30.1-mile route that strikes by way of a number of the finest terrain in Pisgah Nationwide Forest. However the gorgeous sights on this western North Carolina favourite are well-earned. The path’s south-to-north route positive aspects about 8,000 toes in elevation, whereas the north-to-south route requires about 7,300 toes of climbing. Alongside the way in which, hikers cross 4 completely different 6,000-foot peaks, together with Black Balsam Knob, which is thought for each its rocky terrain and exquisite vistas. Right here’s a fast information to mountaineering the Artwork Loeb Path.
Attending to the Path
The Artwork Loeb Path is a point-to-point hike, which suggests you could both deliver two automobiles or arrange a shuttle to hike your complete path. The latter possibility could be organized with native outfitters like Pura Vida Adventures (pvadventures.com), which additionally affords guided day hikes and backpacking journeys on the path.
Those that select to deliver their very own autos normally depart one on the southern finish of the path, on the Davidson River Campground (1 Davidson River Circle, Pisgah Forest, N.C.). The second automobile goes to the Daniel Boone Boy Scout Camp (3647 Little East Fork Highway, Canton, N.C.). Remember that parking rules usually change within the space. Hikers can sometimes discover a spot alongside the Little East Fork Highway, south of the Boy Scout Camp.
Mountaineering the Path
The Artwork Loeb Path is usually finest hiked from spring to fall. The rocky, uneven path and steep circumstances make it a difficult route for even intermediate and superior hikers. Backpackers sometimes take anyplace from two to 5 days to sort out the entire path.
The path is split into 4 segments which can be generally utilized by locals for leisure day use. Part two covers Black Balsam Knob and is usually thought of to be probably the most difficult section, touring 7.2 miles over steep and rocky terrain. Most of part three is above 6,000 toes, giving hikers wonderful views alongside the way in which.
Water Sources on the Artwork Loeb
Relying on the time of the season once you’re mountaineering, there are normally about half a dozen water sources alongside the Artwork Loeb Path. Probably the most accessible sources are situated on the Butter Hole and Deep Hole Shelters, though the Deep Hole Shelter’s water supply is situated down a brief facet path.
Throughout the spring and early summer time, hikers can discover streams working each north and south of campsites close to Black Balsam the place they’ll accumulate and filter water. Many have luck at Gloucester Hole (the place a stream is situated about 250 yards off of the grime street). Shining Rock Hole additionally incorporates a water supply that’s situated a brief stroll down a set of steps.
Tenting on the Artwork Loeb
Tenting is pretty straightforward to seek out alongside the Artwork Loeb Path, however it does get busy and even refill throughout the summer time. Not one of the campsites alongside the path require reservations, as a substitute working on a first-come-first-serve foundation. Many hikers select to camp at or round Butter Hole and Deep Hole Shelters as a result of quick access to water. There are additionally a handful of dry campsites situated north of Black Balsam, and quite a lot of pretty developed campsites alongside the path. Pisgah Nationwide Forest’s dispersed tenting pointers apply on this area.
Different Issues You Want to Know
Mobile phone service is unpredictable and infrequently unavailable alongside the path. For that reason, it’s vital to obtain regional maps earlier than setting out, and think about carrying paper maps for the journey. Whereas many of the path is simple to observe, there are just a few locations the place path intersections make it attainable to get off-route.
The path is dog-friendly, however pets should be stored on leash, and remember that bears frequent the realm. For that reason, when tenting alongside the Artwork Loeb, bear canisters are required. A number of native outfitters provide bear canisters for each buy and hire, together with French Broad Outfitters (canisters run $9 per day) and Blue Ridge Mountaineering Co. (the place they value $25 for the primary day and $5 for consecutive days). The Forest Service additionally affords a first-come-first-serve canister borrowing program that’s legitimate for as much as seven days at a time.
