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TrailsThis list includes trails in the Graveyard Fields area. Both areas lie adjacent to the parkway and are linked via several connecting trails. The streams of Graveyard Fields drain the north slope of Black Balsam Mountain.
Trails Illustrated Map Number: 6
Map on TopoZone
Climbs from the parking area at the end of Black Balsam Road to the top of Black Balsam Knob. This isn't the recommended way of reaching the mountaintop - use the Art Loeb trail instead by parking at the gap as you drive in - because it is very steep, rocky, and eroded. But it will get you there!
Blaze Color: Orange
Trails Illustrated Map Number: 55
USGS Map Number: 346
Map on TopoZone
Follows an old railroad grade up from NC 215 to the end of FR 816, the Black Balsam parking area. Gentle climb, wide trail & very rocky all the way. Unique trail; all above 5000' elevation. Starts w/ crossing of Bubbling Springs Branch. Goes into mixed high-elevation hardwoods. Forest transitions to mostly spruce/fir by upper end. Passes over old concrete bridge w/ waterfall going underneath. Then travels along mountainside; excellent views. Prolific rhododendron, mtn. laurel & blueberries. Slips into Flat Laurel Creek valley, w/ cascades to L. as creek spills out of valley. Above this point, trail follows creek for a ways before pulling away to the R. Flat Laurel Creek valley is indeed relatively flat. Trail passes nice campsites & through grassy, high-elevation meadows. From here to end, low forests & open meadows to L. with dense spruce-fir forest to R. Several stream crossings & wet areas, although much maintenance has been done recently improving the surface.
Blaze Color: Blue
Trails Illustrated Map Number: 64
USGS Map Number: 358
Best Hike Using This Trail
Pictures
HikeWNC Map
Map on TopoZone
Excellent loop, highly recommended. Spectacular high-elevation meadows. Wet areas; heavily traveled. Some sections of northern hardwood forests with scattered spruces/firs. Lots of mountain laurel, blueberries, and galax. Takes hiker to Second Falls & Upper Falls of Yellowstone Prong, as well as past scenic lazy sections of the river. See also Graveyard Fields Loop Best Hike.
Blaze Color: Orange
USGS Map Number: 356
Map on TopoZone
Follows an old railroad grade through thin forests above Graveyard Fields valley. Mostly northern hardwood trees with a few spruces & firs near int. w/ Mountains to Sea Tr. & Ivestor Gap Tr. Rocky & wet in a few spots.
Trails Illustrated Map Number: 72
USGS Map Number: 101
Map on TopoZone
Similar to the Flat Laurel Creek trail, this trail follows an old railroad grade. It travels around Black Balsam and Tennent Mountains. It is level or climbs gently in places. It is very rocky and very wet, although there are no sizeable stream crossings. The high elevation forest consists of mainly mountain ash, birch, beech, spruce and fir, and planted windrows of longleaf pine. There are many bald areas or areas where only rhododendron, mountain laurel, and blueberries grow. The blueberries grow in profusion and are generally ripe during mid August. The road is open to four-wheel drive vehicles in fall.
Blaze Color: Yellow
Trails Illustrated Map Number: 83
USGS Map Number: 347
Map on TopoZone
High elevation trail. Follows old road/railroad grades. One large stream crossing. Very muddy and wet, and somewhat overgrown. Travels above a very interesting wild valley. Views. Can be made into a loop with the Flat Laurel Creek and Art Loeb trails.
Trails Illustrated Map Number: 112
Pictures
Map on TopoZone
Fantastic, high elevation trail travels to the summit of Sam Knob. Blueberries in season. Starts on level road, travels through large field, then winds up a newly built path to the summit. Short, high-elevation hardwood forest, then heath balds and grassy areas. Summit offers spectacular 360 degree views of Middle Prong, Shining Rock, and Black Balsam areas.
