North Carolina Backpacking - Asheville's Art Loeb Trail Thru-Hike

Embark on an unforgettable journey that starts at the REI store in Asheville, North Carolina. Our expert guides kickstart the adventure with an orientation and detailed gear overview with an emphasis on pack weight. As we leave the city behind, our route takes us into Pisgah National Forest. We set the stage for our adventure by hiking to the summit of John Rock to enjoy views of Pisgah National Forest and to get a bird’s eye view of the Art Loeb trail. This evening, we settle into an established campground just across from the southern terminus of the Art Loeb Trail, promising a restful evening surrounded by nature’s tranquility. Lunch and dinner included. 
 
Hiking: 5.3 miles, Total ascent/descent: +1287’/-1254’; low/high point: 2,373’/3,307’; Van transfer: 1 hour 

Wake with anticipation of miles and adventure to come, and of course to the comforting aroma of coffee and a hearty breakfast. With camp broken down and packs loaded we venture into the backcountry, leaving behind any non-essentials to be seamlessly shuttled to our journey’s end. Our legs find rhythm on a series of invigorating climbs towards Cedar Rock Mountain and finally descending into Butter Gap where we find our campsite. Along the trail, our knowledgeable guides share their passion for nature and history, weaving tales of the diverse flora and fauna that inhabit the pristine landscapes of Pisgah National Forest. Today’s challenging hike serves as a spirited warmup for the adventures that lie ahead. As the day concludes, we settle into a backcountry camp, savoring a hot meal beneath a canvas of stars. All meals included.

Backpacking: 8.4 miles; Total ascent/descent: +2,978’/-1,944’; low/high point: 2,194’/3,863’ 

Begin your day with a warm drink in hand, embracing the serene solitude of the backcountry. After breakfast, we efficiently break camp and set off towards Pilot Mountain. We warm up our legs on a short climb to Chestnut Mountain before gradually descending into a gap where we’ll rest before the long climb up Pilot Mountain. As we reach the peak, we’re rewarded with striking 360-degree views of Pisgah National Forest. Pilot Mountain’s spectacular vantage point made it an ideal spot for a historic fire lookout tower. This afternoon we gradually descend into Deep Gap where we’ll find camp for the night and relax with a hot dinner. All meals included.

Backpacking: 6.1 miles; Total ascent/descent: +2,816’/1,370’; low/high point: 3,220’/5,040’ 

We start early this morning because our route is jam packed with highlights. After hot drinks and breakfast, we break camp and set off towards the Blue Ridge Parkway. We have a gradual climb to the Blue Ridge Parkway, a great place to rest and reflect on how far we’ve come before the challenging climb to Black Balsam Knob. Reaching Black Balsam Knob is the highest point of our journey at 6,214 feet. Though Pisgah National Forest is now protected the grassy bald on top of Black Balsam Knob is a scar from extensive logging and two locomotive fires in 1925 and 1942. From Black Balsam Knob we continue to the neighboring 6,000-foot peak of Tennent Mountain before winding our way into the Shining Rock Wilderness where we find our camp for the night. This evening, we have the option to leave our packs behind and walk to Shining Rock, a large white quartzite rock outcropping visible for miles around where our guides will share stories of this area passed down by the Cherokee people. All meals included.  

Backpacking: 8.2 miles; Total ascent/descent: +2,823’/-1,679’; low/high point: 4,665’/6,214’ 

Prior to breaking down camp and embarking on the day’s adventure, we carve out moments for personal connection with the backcountry of the Shining Rock Wilderness. Today’s hike takes us through a challenging section called The Narrows before reaching the base of Cold Mountain.  After a short rest we descend towards the northern terminus of the Art Loeb trail where our van and extra gear await our arrival. Now that our thru hike is complete, we eagerly venture towards a celebration dinner at Sierra Nevada’s enchanting Asheville brewery. Tonight, we return to the local Asheville REI and our welcoming host hotel, bidding fond farewells to our guides and fellow travelers who have shared in this unforgettable experience. All meals included.

Hiking: 6.5 miles; Total ascent/descent: up to +913’/3,362’; low/high point: 3,356’/5,858’; Van transfer: 1.5 hours