Tennent Mtn & Black Balsam: Ivestor Gap Trl to Art Loeb Loop

Tennent Mtn & Black Balsam: Ivestor Gap Trl to Art Loeb Loop
Meeting Point: Near Toilets at parking area
Date: Sunday, August 30, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM (at Bent Creek River Park; see below)
General Location: Blue Ridge Parkway south of Asheville past the Pisgah Inn. The turnoff off the parkway is 11.7 miles past Pisgah Inn.
Parking URL: https://maps.app.goo.gl/oP2CEEkuZRtxaydb8
Parking Address: 1610 Brevard Rd, Asheville, NC 28806
Parking Notes: We’ll meet at Bent Creek River Park at 9AM and carpool from there. It’s about a 45 minute drive to the trailhead.
If you’d rather meet at the trailhead, comment in the notes so we’re not waiting for you. Carpool should arrive no later than 10AM.
Once at Black Balsam, we'll meet near the toilets, which are at the parking area located at the end of Black Balsam Knob Road. It is small and fills up fast, but there is a lot of parking along the road leading up to it. You might have to park on the road and walk to the parking area.
Trailhead URL: https://maps.app.goo.gl/mVDcu9cwAmaVTorx5
Trailhead Address: Black Balsam Knob Rd, Canton, NC 28716
Miles from Downtown Asheville: 37
Total Length: 4.43
Elevation Gain: 696
Trail Type: Loop
Difficulty Level: Moderate
AllTrails URL: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/custom-routes/tennent-mtn-black-balsam-ivestor-gap-trl-to-art-loeb-loop-0a3ffff?u=i&sh=nnvj4c
Restrooms: Restrooms
Cell Service Availability: Limited
Dogs Allowed: Yes
Comments
This being a 5th Sunday, we'll go a little further from Asheville to one of the premier hiking areas in WNC. Bring lunch or a snack to eat at the Black Balsam overlook during our conversation. This is one of the most scenic routes in the area, with plenty of beautiful views at both the two peaks and along the ridgeline in between. It is a bit rocky and you have to watch your step in places. Note that temps will likely be 10 to 15 degrees cooler at 6200 feet than in Asheville. If you enjoy a payoff in the form of beautiful views, this is for you!
A note about hornets and yellow jackets: Tis the season , and we've had encounters with them on recent hikes. If you have a known allergy and carry an EpiPen or other prescribed medication, please bring it with you on the hike. We're not able to provide or administer specialized allergy medication. We do keep Benadryl on hand for general reactions, but anything beyond that needs to be something you carry yourself.
Legal Disclaimer
This Worship in the Wild event involves hiking, which may be physically taxing and involve some risks to participants and their property. Neither the event host nor Worship in the Wild can assure participants' safety or eliminate all risks. Participants are responsible for their own safety, and they affirm that they have the necessary skills, physical conditioning, and equipment to safely participate in the event. Participants assume full responsibility for any injuries, damages, or losses.