Ivestor Gap/Art Loeb Loop
8.8 miles
Moderate
Great views, variety of scenery
Visitors to this area often flock to the Black Balsam Knob to have a seat on the rocks and soak in the scenery, but this loop offers a much more gratifying experience. By connecting the Ivestor Gap Trail with a section of the Art Loeb Trail, hikers get to sample grand views, Appalachian “balds” and spruce fir forests, and the namesake of the Shining Rock Wilderness.
The isolated stands of spruce and fir trees, a relic from the last ice age, aren’t normally found in the Southeast, although they dominates Canada and parts of the Northeast. They rely on the high altitude to mimic the conditions of their homeland. Acid rain and exotic insects threaten to make these treasures even more rare.
The actual Shining Rock consists of massive outcroppings of white quartzite. The milky white stone can be seen from many points in the area, especially later in the day when the sun sits in the southwestern sky. These rocks gave name to the Shining Rock Wilderness, one of three wilderness areas created in the Eastern United States when Congress first passed the Wilderness Act of 1964. This land was once heavily logged, but is now protected.
The return from Shining Rock traverses some balds, or mountain ridges that lack trees. Without the dense forest, visitors can see for miles. The wildflowers and blooming shrubs complement the grand views. Sometimes, the trails get a little overgrown, so visitors might want to wear long pants.
We labeled this trail moderate because of the distance and a few small hills.
On the trail: From the trailhead at the end of Forest Service Road 816, follow the Ivestor Gap Trail north for 4.3 miles as it skirts the ridgeline. Some official and unofficial trails come in and out, but just remember to continue along straight beneath the ridgeline.
Ivestor Gap Trail ends at Shining Rock Gap. Shining Rock sits to the north (in other words, to the left). Explore the white quartzite rocks via some unofficial trails that wind through the area.
To return, head south again. This time, take the Art Loeb Trail along the ridgetop for 3.9 miles. A plethora of unofficial trails might throw some people off once or twice – just remember to follow the white blazes that mark the Art Loeb Trail. If you find yourself traveling down the mountain for a long time – as opposed to along it –and you’ve lost the white blazes, just return to the ridgetop to reconnect with the Art Loeb Trail.
Instead of walking back to the car on the road, take the Art Loeb Spur Trail, which parallels Forest Service Road 816 for 0.6 miles. The spur heads off to the right just past Black Balsam Knob.
Driving directions: From Asheville, take the Blue Ridge Parkway to Milepost 420. Take a right on Forest Service Road 816. Drive 0.8 miles to the trailhead at the end of the road.
Maps: Trails Illustrated #780, Pisgah Ranger District (visit our Black Dome online store).
