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The Art Loeb Trail - a beautiful overnighter!

Apr 18
Sat 8:00 AM
Location
This location is no longer available
Estimated attendance
 4  people attended.
5.00 5.003

Who organized?
Dmitry

I am super busy these days, but it's been too long since I went backpacking, so its time! :)

We are going to do the best part of the Art Loeb trail - we are staring from the Blue Ridge Scenic Highway go to Daniel Boone Boyscout Camp (probably will take a spur trail to the Cold Mountain as well) and coming back by a trail whose name I don't know. We are going to make 9.5 miles on the first day (plus optional 2 miles on the spur tail), and 7.5 miles on the next day. First day is longer, but it is pretty much flat or downhill, second day has some uphills, but it's only 7.5 miles. I uploaded a map of the loop on our website.

It's about 200 miles of driving from my place, but its mostly highway miles and google says it should take 3.5 hours to get there - about the same time it takes to get to the southern part of the Smokies. It's a longer drive than usual, but it's a new place and I think it's worth it. We already have 3 people to fill one car, but if we get another car and 3 more people that would be even more fun!

We should stop by at Ashville on our way back for lunch/dinner - I've heard it's a beautiful town and looking forward to check it out!

I hope some folks will crack at the last minute and will join us!

Cheers,
Brer Mountain Rabbit

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Talk about this Meetup

  • Lucinda
    Posted Apr 17, 2009 6:05 PM
    Lucinda
    Shining Rock Wilderness is one of my favorite places -- I've been up there quite a few times. I've camped on Cold Mountain a couple of times -- even had sleet in June! Black Balsam Knob is probably my favorite spot -- very open with fantastic views. I've hiked through Scotland and, yes, it's very much like the Highlands. You all will love it.
  • Dmitry
    Posted Apr 17, 2009 4:40 PM
    Dmitry
    Brer Mountain Rabbit
    Perfect! My number is [masked]. I'll see you at the parking lot.
  • John
    Posted Apr 17, 2009 12:55 PM
    John
    Assistant Organizer
    David is riding with me. I guess he hasn't had a chance to update to yes yet. Thanks for the GPS coordinates but I don't own a GPS. I do have Google Earth and figured out how to find the trail head. We are leaving from Gainesville at 8 Am so should be ahead of you. I plan on stopping for a quick lunch on the way up. In case you need to call me my cell is [masked]
  • Dmitry
    Posted Apr 17, 2009 11:05 AM
    Dmitry
    Brer Mountain Rabbit
    from what I can see on my driving GPS, one need to take left from Blue Ridge Hwy on FS815 or Black Balsam Knob Rd (I assume they are the same). Then in about a mile there should be the parking lot and the Trail Head for Art Loeb Trail.
  • Dmitry
    Posted Apr 17, 2009 10:45 AM
    Dmitry
    Brer Mountain Rabbit
    There are the GPS coordinates of the parking lot where we meet: N 35.325539, W 82.881470).
  • Dmitry
    Posted Apr 14, 2009 11:03 PM
    Dmitry
    Brer Mountain Rabbit
    John, Good to see you coming! If we leave at 8 AM, we should be there around 11:30 I guess.
  • Lou
    Posted Apr 14, 2009 8:50 PM
    Lou
    Fish Dog
    The Art Loeb Trail got a super mention in National Geographic Explorer magazine as one of the best trails in the Southern Appalachians. You load up on 6000 foot plus peaks and numerous open balds reminding one of the Scottish Highlands. We also get to visit Cold Mountain, not the Cowboy one but the other Cold Mountatin... :-)""" Weather looks good and trip should be a blast!!! Lots of good fishing nearby! FD

Who attended?

  • 4 attendees
    • Lou
      “ Weather and views from top of balds and the Blue Ridge Parkway were awesome. Northern portion of Art Loeb is super nice! Camping on top of Cold Mountain was very romantic (not Broke Back Mountain). The start point at Black Balsalm Bald was too crowded and side trails very confusing. On the next trip I recommend the jeep trail on the way north by-passing the most crowded portion to Shinning Rock. Also, would be nice to check out lower/southern area of trail. Art Loeb Trail needs maintenance and better markings. Forest Service should collect fees for day use, parking etc... and could easily raise funds to cover costs. Junior the trail dog rocks!!! Lou's socks are a new fashion statement. ”
    • “ Been on my list for several years. The balds where beatiful and a change from most hikes I been on lately. A bit crowded Saturday but I still enjoyed the hike. With the weather change on Sunday the hike went from crowds to nobody. I always tease Dmitry about his GPS but it sure came in handy with all of the confusing side trails. It was extremely hard to stay on course even with the GPS. The area is definertly worth a return visit. Thanks Dmitry for organizing this hike. ”
    • “ Not quite what expected, but still great! I should come up with a trip report for this one on our discussion board. ”