Art Loeb Trail

Are you and your pup avid hikers who enjoy challenging paths to high peaks? Then the Art Loeb Trail is sure to be a treat for both of you! Beginning at the Davidson River Campground area and spanning across three different mountain peaks before settling at the Boone Scout Camp, this hike is no walk in the park! If your goal is to cross the entire trail, plan to spend some time camping on the nearby grounds – you’ll never make it in one go! If you would pre-fur to go for a day hike, you can pick one of the sections of the trail to trek instead.

Since it spans just over 30 miles throughout Pisgah National Forest and the wilderness surrounding it, the Art Loeb Trail is broken down into four parts. Each section is a beautiful trek with breathtaking sights to discover throughout your journey. The trail is considered a point-to-point hike, although you can make use of the sections as out-and-back trails for day trips.

Section 1 begins at the Davidson River where it travels west-southwest, leading you through many twists and turns. Finally, it makes its way around Cedar Rock Mountain and Butter Gap Shelter, introducing the first of many spectacular sights you’ll see on the trail. Section 2 makes its way towards Pilot Mountain, where pink azaleas abound in the spring. Expect a brutal walk uphill there, along the Blue Ridge Parkway, as you make your way to the Balsam Knob – one of the most beautiful sights you'll find in all of South Carolina! This area is usually the busiest section, so keep this in mind if Fido isn’t too fond of other people. Section 3 ends at Deep Gap, where section 4 begins. From here, you’ll start your descent to the Cold Mountain Trail, which leads to the mountain's summit.