Art Loeb Trail 2019

The Mini AT

🥾 General Info

  • Length: ~30.1 miles (48.4 km)
  • Location: Pisgah National Forest, Western North Carolina
  • Southern Terminus: Davidson River Campground (near Brevard, NC)
  • Northern Terminus: Daniel Boone Boy Scout Camp (near Waynesville, NC)
  • Trail Type: Point-to-point (can be section-hiked or done as a thru-hike)


🏞️ Terrain & Highlights

  • Elevation Gain: ~9,000+ ft total
  • Highest Point: Black Balsam Knob – 6,214 ft (1,894 m)
  • Popular Peaks:
  • Black Balsam Knob
  • Tennent Mountain
  • Pilot Mountain
  • Cold Mountain (via side trail)
  • Scenery: Panoramic ridge walks, Appalachian balds, dense hardwood forests, and sweeping Blue Ridge views


🧍‍♂️ Hiking Stats & Experience

  • Typical Completion Time: 2–4 days
  • Difficulty: Strenuous – steep climbs, exposed ridgelines, rugged terrain
  • Backpacking Style: Primitive camping, limited water sources, no shelters
  • Navigation: Trail is marked with white blazes, but can be confusing in sections – a map or GPS is recommended


🏕️ Logistics

  • Best Time to Hike: Spring through fall (fall for peak foliage)
  • Water Sources: Limited, especially on ridgelines – plan accordingly
  • Camping: Dispersed camping allowed, follow Leave No Trace guidelines
  • Shuttles: Available locally for point-to-point logistics