So Back in May of 2018 I had planned to backpack the entire Art Loeb Trail. It was on that hike that I learned why this area is considered the rainiest area in NC! It felt like constant thunderstorms would roll in during the morning, afternoon and at night. On the second day I was so exhausted from the storms through out the night, that I decided to bypass going up Tenant Mountain and Black Balsam Knob (two easy 6,000 footers). I kicked myself everyday since then because the views from there are supposedly the best in NC (It was shrouded in the clouds at the time, so I think I was justified) Anyways, 3 years later and I finally decided to get back to the Art Loeb Trail and finish what I started a back in the rainy weekend of May.
My drive to the trail head took me through the blue ridge parkway. Stratus clouds were slowly climbing up the mountains. Made for a beautiful sunrise.
My drive to the trail head took me through the blue ridge parkway. Stratus clouds were slowly climbing up the mountains. Made for a beautiful sunrise.
I arrived at the Sam Knob Trailhead completely covered in fog. I saw a text from my wife saying our son, couldn't go to daycare because he had a fever. I had no cell range at the lot, so I decided to head up to Black Balsam Knob, and see if I can call her there. It worked and she told me our son threw up, but that I should continue on with my hike (I was about 2.5 hr drive away from home). So I did.
So, back on the Art Loeb Trail and completly covered in clouds, except for a few openings here and there. Almost the same expereince as last time, though I didn't have the impending fear of another thunderstorm rolling in. Just hiking high in Southren Highlands in the clouds...I can dig it.
So, back on the Art Loeb Trail and completly covered in clouds, except for a few openings here and there. Almost the same expereince as last time, though I didn't have the impending fear of another thunderstorm rolling in. Just hiking high in Southren Highlands in the clouds...I can dig it.
Eventually, I crossed both summits of Tenant Mountain and Black Balsam Knob. I eventually hit the Investor Gap Trail, which took me back to my car. It was there at my Car that I realized there was another little bit of the Art Loeb trail that bypassed on first hike. From the Art Loeb Spur trail intersection to the Art Loeb trailhead parking lot. So trudged up the Spur trail again, and this time headed south. There I finally completed the Art Loeb Trail!
With the Art Loeb completed, I decided to continue on the MST/Art Loeb Trail and loop back to the Sam Knob Trailhead. It was only 6 miles extra, and I would be able to bag Sam Knob (another 6,000 footer). As I hiked a long, I saw some cool wash outs from TS Fred.
With the Art Loeb completed, I decided to continue on the MST/Art Loeb Trail and loop back to the Sam Knob Trailhead. It was only 6 miles extra, and I would be able to bag Sam Knob (another 6,000 footer). As I hiked a long, I saw some cool wash outs from TS Fred.
Once I reached the point where the Art Loeb and MST left each other, I had hit a wall. My feet were killing me. It's been a while since I've hiked like this. Also the tail just went straight down a bunch of slick rocks. I wasn't in the mood to finish hiking the loop, so I back tracked. All the way to my car. But along the way I took some cool shots of the area.
Anyways I was able to get home in time to pick up our other son from daycare (who was also getting sick) and pick up some za. I am really grateful for my wife taking care of our sick son, while I got go out and hike. She knew how much this hike meant to me, and she sacrificed a day of work so I could do this. It is something special when the one love is really looking out for you! Thanks, Babe!
Photo Album
Photo Album
