Summit
Black Balsam Knob
MI ≈10.6 · ≈6,211 ft
30 miles point to point through Pisgah National Forest and Shining Rock Wilderness, from Davidson River Campground near Brevard to Cold Mountain. Free and permit-free; bear canisters required year-round in the wilderness.
“Traverse Art Loeb Trail on the Art Loeb Trail.”
Plan your Art Loeb Trail trip here, then get your permit from the agency.
Walk-up permit
How to get Art Loeb Trail
Art Loeb Trail is issued by the agency rather than through a booking calendar. Their page has the current process and any dates.
Official permit pagePlanning another trip? See the permits we alert on.
Art Loeb Trail permit season
- route distance, about, measured along the route
- 29.6mi
Art Loeb Trail elevation profile
Daniel Boone Boy Scout Camp (north terminus) to Davidson River Campground (south terminus area)Trailhead
Daniel Boone Boy Scout Camp (north terminus)
Mile ≈0 of 30
0 Daniel Boone Boy Scout Camp (north terminus)30 Davidson River Campground (south terminus area)
- Mile
- ≈0
- Elevation
- ≈3,270 ft
Art Loeb Trail landmarks
Map of the Art Loeb Trail, Daniel Boone Boy Scout Camp (north terminus) to Davidson River Campground (south terminus area)
15 of 15 places in this section
This device cannot draw the interactive map.
Terrain USGS 3DEP · Water USGS NHD · Trail © OpenStreetMap contributors
How to get an Art Loeb Trail permit
As of September 2026, Art Loeb Trail in Art Loeb Trail, North Carolina requires a permit issued via walk-up. Art Loeb Trail rates 6/10 on PermitSnag's demand index. The Art Loeb Trail route covers about 29.6 miles, measured along the route.
- Type
- Thru-Hike
- Location
- NC
How this permit is issued
Get this permit in person at the trailhead or ranger station, or by phone.
Official permit page →Step 1: Check the agency page for the process
This permit is not sold online. Confirm where and when it is issued (and any fee) at U.S. Forest Service before your trip.
Step 2: Arrive early
Walk-up permits are issued first-come, first-served. Where the agency sets a daily quota, popular trailheads can run out on weekends and holidays.
Step 3: Have backup plans
Popular trailheads fill fast. Know alternate routes or dates.
Learn more:
More on Art Loeb Trail: Live availability activityArt Loeb Trail permit itinerary
How much an Art Loeb Trail permit costs
Art Loeb Trail permit fee: free; no permit needed. Bear canisters required year-round in Shining Rock Wilderness.
The Art Loeb Trail hike
- Distance
- about 29.6 miles, measured along the route
How hard the Art Loeb Trail hike is
- Physical DemandFitness and endurance required5/5
- Technical SkillClimbing, scrambling, or specialized skills1/5
- NavigationRoute finding and trail clarity1/5
- CommitmentDifficulty of bailing out mid-route4/5
Best for: Experienced hikers with excellent fitness and relevant technical skills.
Recommended experience: Should have completed 10+ mile day hikes with significant elevation gain.
When to hike Art Loeb Trail
Weather Forecast
Trailhead (5,000 ft)
⚠️
Backcountry Tips
- Day 5: 70% chance of precipitation. Pack rain gear.
- Day 6: 72% chance of precipitation. Pack rain gear.
Today
☀️
75°
51°
Wed
☁️
76°
56°
Thu
☁️
79°
57°
Fri
🌧️
79°
59°
32%
Sat
🌧️
64°
62°
70%
Sun
🌧️
66°
60°
72%
Mon
🌧️
67°
55°
43%
View full NWS forecast →Mountain weather changes rapidly. This forecast is a guide—always be prepared for worse conditions.
Art Loeb Trail rules, gear and safety
Safety & planning
Emergency Info
Emergency contacts, ranger station locations, and satellite communicator tips for Art Loeb Trail.
Food Storage
Bear canister requirements, approved container lists, and rental locations for this permit.
Gear Checklist: Required and recommended gear for Art Loeb Trail · Shuttle Services: Trailhead transportation options · Guide Services: Experienced wilderness guides
Some links may be affiliate links. Purchases support PermitSnag at no extra cost to you.
Art Loeb Trail FAQ
How do I get a Art Loeb Trail permit?
Art Loeb Trail is issued directly by the agency. It is issued in person or by phone, so there is no reservation to book and no cancellation to catch. Bring backup dates and check their page for the current process.
When is the best time to visit Art Loeb Trail?
Season dates are on the agency's page. Weekdays have better availability than weekends.
How competitive is the Art Loeb Trail permit?
This permit has a demand score of 6/10, making it moderately competitive.
What if I can't get a Art Loeb Trail permit?
The agency awards this permit directly. Bring backup dates and check the official page for the current process and any closures.
Art Loeb Trail trail conditions and trip reports
Trail Conditions
No active conditions reported
Sign in to report trail conditions.
Questions
No questions yet
Be the first to ask about Art Loeb Trail.
Trip Reports
Write ReportAlternatives to an Art Loeb Trail permit
Where to stay near Art Loeb Trail
- Sunburst campgroundNational Forests in North Carolina
- Pink Beds Picnic ShelterNational Forests in North Carolina
- Cove Creek Lower Group CampNational Forests in North Carolina
- All North Carolina campgrounds
Plan the full trip, not just the permit
Build your full itinerary start to finish
Add your dates and get a day-by-day plan: what needs a permit, what gear to bring, and one link to share with your whole group to coordinate every step.
Plan a trip here
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