The Shining Rock Wilderness is an amazing landscape to explore. This loop hike takes you along mountain balds, through alpine fir forests and to a stunning quartz rock formation.
The hike starts from the Black Balsam Knob Parking area, and follows the Black Balsam Trail to join the Art Loeb Trail. You’ll follow the ridgeline across Black Balsam Knob, Tennent Mountain, Grassy Cove Top and Flower Knob to finally reach Shining Rock. This large formation is made of quartz blocks ranging in size from basketball to house sized. The trail ascends to the top of the rocks for stunning views in all directions. This is a perfect place to stop for a break and a snack before continuing the loop.
Head back down the way you came to rejoin the loop trail, continuing on the Little East Fork Trail to the Ivestor Gap Trail. This portion of the trail is actually a very rough forest service road (FS101), but it is open to vehicle traffic (specialized 4x4s only) a short time of the year. You’ll follow this trail back to the upper parking area, and you can walk back down the road to the lower parking area, or take the Art Loeb Spur Trail back up to rejoin the Black Balsam Trail where you started the loop. This portion of the Shining Rock Wilderness is heavily used and the trails are easy to follow for the most part, however trails are not blazed. It is always recommended that you bring a map and compass when visiting any wilderness area.
Take the Blue Ridge Parkway to mile marker 420 to reach Black Balsam Road. Follow the road to the parking area(s). near the top.
Tennent Mountain 35.33700/-82.86905
Grassy Cove Top 35.34851/-82.86404
Flower Knob 35.35869/-82.86258
Shining Rock 35.36835/-82.86258
This trail is rated MODERATE, it gains a little less than 1500ft of elevation over 10 miles. You will have sweeping views as you follow the ridges and balds along the first half of the hike. This trail can be more difficult in wet conditions. Bear canisters are currently required in the Shining Rock Wilderness for overnight camping (2/26/21).