Sam Knob Trail NC – High-Country Bald Near Black Balsam

Trail Overview

Sam Knob, in the Black Balsam area of Pisgah National Forest, is a high-elevation bald reached from the Black Balsam Road trailhead. It features a high-country bald in the Black Balsam / Shining Rock Wilderness area, with water available along the route.

Where It Is

Trailhead off Black Balsam Road, near Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 420, Pisgah Ranger District, Haywood County, NC.

Good to Know

Always check current trail, parking, and access conditions with the managing agency before you go — conditions can change with weather and season. The 1.07 mi figure is the official Forest Service trail segment; reaching the actual summit and back is commonly described as a longer round trip combining multiple trail segments — the Forest Service does not publish a separate summit-to-summit figure. Source: U.S. Forest Service (fs.usda.gov).

Explore More

See more Pisgah National Forest hikes