Monday, September 9, 2013

Summits 251-255 - Pisgah National Forest, North Carolina


     I spent the day Friday hiking in one of the crown jewels of Southern Appalachian backcountry - North Carolina's Pisgah National Forest. Located just south of Asheville, it's a stunning place that contain some of the highest peaks in the Eastern United States. The terrain is unlike anywhere else I've been this year, with grassy, open balds that offer incredible views from all directions. I spent most of the day on the Art Loeb trail climbing to the summits of Sam Knob, Black Balsam Knob, Tennent Mountain and Grassy Cove Top and I rose early the next morning and hiked to the rocky summit of Devil's Courthouse. The next time you're in Asheville, plan a side trip to Pisgah - It's a place you won't soon forget.



pretty standard view on a clear day in Pisgah 


Sam Knob summit view

late summer wildflowers in bloom. Sam Knob rises in the background.

Black Balsam Knob

Black Balsam Knob summit. At 6,214 feet, it's the 30th highest peak in the eastern United States.


The Art Loeb Trail winds between Black Balsam and Tennent Mountain



Wild Blueberries. And yes - they are delicious. 

Tennent Mountain summit




Devils Courthouse summit just off the Blue Ridge Parkway. I hiked early Saturday morning in the dark so this was my only picture.

Looking Glass Rock