Tennent Mountain Loop via Ivestor Gap Trail(edit)

based on 91 tracks & routes | |

EASY

#3 hike out of 34 in Shining Rock Wilderness |

EASY

4.7 mi

Distance

2 hrs 33 min

Time

477 ft

Elev Gain

Overview

This is a easy loop trail to Tennent Mountain and Black Balsam Knob in the Pisgah National Forest and is adjacent to the Shining Rock Wilderness.

It is one of the most popular trails in the Pisgah National Forest as it offers spectacular, 360 summit views from 6000 foot high summits with comparatively little effort. There are many side paths made by campers and blueberry pickers but most lead back to the main trail. From the parking area the trail climbs steeply to the Art Loeb Trail and follows it north over the open summits of Black Balsam and Tennent Mountains before descending to Ivestor Gap. Turn left and follow Ivestor Gap Trail to return to the parking area.

Getting Started

From the Blue Ridge Parkway follow Black Balsam Road to the parking area at its end. Take the obvious dirt road (Ivestor Gap Trail) and look for the Art Loeb Connector about 50 feet on the right.

Taking Children

Children will love this hike, but steep, rocky, and eroded sections make it challenging for smaller children or those with shorter legs.. Recommended for ages 8 and up.

Sights to See

Rate this Hike

★★★★★

Rob DeHollander 3 years, 7 months ago

Pretty hike with good elevation change. Nice diversity from bald knob with no trees down to heavily wooded areas. A lot of springs on the mountain so quite a bit of water. Trail head was very busy but once on the trail not too many people. Would definitely do this hike again.

★ ★ ★ ★