Sam Knob, Black Balsam, and Flat Laurel Creek

    Black Balsam is one of the most unique areas in Pisgah forest. While most of the mountains are covered in thick deciduous forests, this area is a patchwork of Balsam forests and balds. The road to Black Balsam is the jumping-off point for many epic destinations including Shining Rock and of course Black Balsam Knob itself. However, one of the best ways to get acquainted with this beautiful place, and one of my long time favorite hikes, is Sam Knob. 

    Sam Knob is a strangely saddle-shaped mountain that pops out of the middle of a meadow. From the top, you can see all the other mountains circling the Knob like a ring, and there are some rock outcroppings to take in the view from. The loop I'm covering in this post ascends Sam Knob and then swings by Flat Laurel Creek before returning to the parking area. On the trail, you will be able to pass through much of the varied scenery that Black Balsam has to offer including distinctive Balsam forests, grassy wildflower meadows, birch forests, and lots of Rhododendron.

The Route

    Take Forest Service Road 816 off the Blue Ridge Parkway and follow it all the way to the parking lot at the end. I suggest showing up fairly early to get a parking spot as this is a popular spot. Sam Knob trail starts behind the bathhouse and goes all the way up to the peak. To complete the 3.75 mile loop, continue straight at the base of Sam Knob until you cross Laurel Creek. At the creek crossing, turn left to complete the loop and rejoin the parking lot.  

Click here to see the trail map. 

Getting There

    One of my favorite things about this hike is that you can see exactly where you're going. There's something really satisfying about seeing the mountain from the outset and knowing that you'll be on top of it in a few short miles. The trail starts off on a rise and then drops down into a meadow on the approach to the mountain base. Maybe I'm jumping to conclusions, but I feel like I can conclusively say that this meadow is one of the best smelling places in the forest. There's something about the combination of wildflowers, warm sun, and a high elevation breeze that is incredibly relaxing. On my way, I passed too many different grasses and flowers to name including Buttercups, Red Clover, Queen Ann's Lace, Pigweed, and Wild Daisies.

No scooters apparently?

    Luckily, you get to climb the actual mountain in the shade as Sam Knob is covered in stunted high-elevation birch and mountain laurel. This is one of those forests you run into high in the Appalachians that looks fantastical or magical because of the wind-knarled trees. The ascent to the top is steep but relatively short. 

Flame Azalea

    The top of Sam Knob is a tangle of side trails that splay between the two saddle-shaped knobs with backpacking campsites interspersed throughout. I wandered through the trails finding different rock outcroppings and lookouts to hangout on. You can see an impressive amount of the area from Sam Knob including Black Balsam and Devil's Courthouse. To spot Black Balsam Knob, just look back towards the parking lot and it is right above the road. Devil's Courthouse is a little less obvious, but you can pick out the distinct shape of the rock outcropping to the South. 

More Flame Azalea on top of the mountain

    Hiking Sam Knob is satisfying in and of itself, but if you're in the mood for a swim (and to be honest, who isn't?), I suggest continuing on to Flat Laurel Creek. From the trail crossing, you can wander down the creek to explore the many pools and small waterfalls. I could tell you my exact favorite spots, and there are definitely some gems, but this is one of those experiences that are even better when you stumble upon them yourself. My only advice is to get in the water if at all possible. It is crystal clear and absolutely freezing, the kind of water that, in the hot sun, makes your body feel totally awake and buzzing. 

    From the creek, it is smooth sailing around the valley and back to the parking area. You will get some beautiful views of meadows and mountains as you complete your circuit of the valley. 

    While you're in the area, Black Balsam is just down the road and definitely worth a side trip. You can take the Art Loeb trail up to the bald mountain top. From the top, there is a 360-degree view that includes Tennant Mountain, Graveyard Fields, and Sam Knob that is about as close as you can get to The Sound of Music in the Southeastern US. I have spent quite a bit of time on top of Black Balsam and consider it one of the most scenic places in the area. From camping in howling winds to sharing impromptu 4th of July sparklers with complete strangers, I feel like I never know what might happen when I venture up here. Which, of course, makes it all the more fun. 

The Takeaway

    This is one of those hikes that you could do in two hours or eight hours depending on your mood. Sam Knob and Flat Laurel Creek are both magical places that make it easy to relax and pass some time hanging out in the mountains. While I love Sam Knob for a fast trail run or hike, some of my favorite memories in this area are of going out with friends and family to spend the day exploring and relaxing. With Black Balsam close by, this area is great for a series of short trips to stunning destinations. The natural beauty here spans the spectrum from thick balsam forests and knarled beech thickets to sweeping meadows and mountain balds. At the end of the day, Sam Knob and Black Balsam perfectly reflect one of the most unique, beautiful, and unexpected parts of Pisgah. 

To see more cool places in Pisgah Forest, click here.