technicolorNH - May 13, 2018 5:59 pm Date Climbed: May 8, 2018
Short hike
Only twenty eight minutes from the TH but the views were amazing. There are now wooden staircases emplaced to descend down the grassy slope to the gap. Reminded me of the boardwalks at the base of Bierstadt.
eric-griz - May 24, 2014 6:17 pm Date Climbed: May 24, 2014
Nice little hike
I bagged both peaks. First the north, then the south. Not nearly as many people on this trail as on the Art Loeb.
Joel Hopper - Jun 16, 2013 8:29 pm Date Climbed: Jun 15, 2013
5 pack
Via Art Loeb Trail nice outing included in a grab of Black Balsam, Tennent Mountain, Grassy Cove Top, Shining Rock & Sam Knob. Last peak of the day. Quick & easy with great views.
mlandau3 - Jan 6, 2011 6:41 pm Date Climbed: Jul 24, 2004
Which Peak Is Higher?
Did this via an unusual route (from the Devil's Courthouse)
sprosseda - Oct 7, 2009 12:30 pm Date Climbed: Nov 1, 1997
One of the best sixers
Have probably camped on top about 10 times and hike it from 3 different trails. Also bushwacked 800 ft up from flat laurel creek. One of my favorite mountains and areas, so scenic. The craggy gneissic outcrops on top are a blast to boulder on. Magnificent views, especially at sunset.
Cortez - Oct 5, 2009 2:23 pm Date Climbed: May 14, 2004
Route Climbed: Flat Laurel Creek> SN Summit Trail
One of our 1st Sixers.
tioga - May 12, 2009 2:02 pm Date Climbed: May 10, 2009
Best in Great Balsam Range
This is the best peak in the Great Balsam Range. Excellent views from the top and a beatiful peak, with the two summits. This reminded me of a peak in the northeast. And there wasn't a single person on it the morning I climbed it.
MarkDidier - Jul 12, 2008 9:42 am Date Climbed: May 18, 2007
Great Short Hike
A nice easy hike with excellent views from the summit.
A fun & quick route to the summit via the trail. No one else on the mountain this date. Superb summit view. My first trip to climb in the Blue Ridge & Great Smokies - gained a whole new perspective on the region.
The parkway was closed so we hiked out from 215 which was a really nice trail. Great weather and we had the summit to ourselves. I wish the peak was more isolated so the hike would be more rewarding.
buzzdainer - Oct 15, 2007 1:12 am Date Climbed: May 15, 2002
Black Balsam Trailhead
For my money, one of the most beautiful places on earth.
Came from Flat Laurel tr, water was high therefore waterfalls were roaring. Relatively warm (36F) and calm ( slight breeze ) for winter. Great views.
GAHikerGirl - Jun 15, 2006 1:22 am Date Climbed: Jun 6, 2006
A Nice Easy Climb...
With really spectacular views. I could see the whole 8+ mile trek along the ridge from Black Balsam Knob to Cold Mountain.
dwhike - Apr 28, 2006 1:28 pm Date Climbed: Jun 20, 2005
Flat Laurel Creek Route
I've climbed Sam Knob a number of times but my favorite route is via the Flat Laurel Creek Trail. An added bonus is exploring the waterfalls along the creek.
Route Climbed: From end of Road Date Climbed: May 29, 2005
We climbed in full pack; it was kinda hard. Nice views going up and the trail was well-maintained. We set up camp on the South summit overlooking a breathtaking valley. The sunset was fantastic and the morning mists were as well.
JRaphaelson - Sep 16, 2019 12:52 pm Date Climbed: Sep 15, 2019
Sam Knob, Black Balsam, TennentGreat summit, short and easy.
technicolorNH - May 13, 2018 5:59 pm Date Climbed: May 8, 2018
Short hikeOnly twenty eight minutes from the TH but the views were amazing. There are now wooden staircases emplaced to descend down the grassy slope to the gap. Reminded me of the boardwalks at the base of Bierstadt.
eric-griz - May 24, 2014 6:17 pm Date Climbed: May 24, 2014
Nice little hikeI bagged both peaks. First the north, then the south. Not nearly as many people on this trail as on the Art Loeb.
Joel Hopper - Jun 16, 2013 8:29 pm Date Climbed: Jun 15, 2013
5 packVia Art Loeb Trail nice outing included in a grab of Black Balsam, Tennent Mountain, Grassy Cove Top, Shining Rock & Sam Knob. Last peak of the day. Quick & easy with great views.
mlandau3 - Jan 6, 2011 6:41 pm Date Climbed: Jul 24, 2004
Which Peak Is Higher?Did this via an unusual route (from the Devil's Courthouse)
sprosseda - Oct 7, 2009 12:30 pm Date Climbed: Nov 1, 1997
One of the best sixersHave probably camped on top about 10 times and hike it from 3 different trails. Also bushwacked 800 ft up from flat laurel creek. One of my favorite mountains and areas, so scenic. The craggy gneissic outcrops on top are a blast to boulder on. Magnificent views, especially at sunset.
Cortez - Oct 5, 2009 2:23 pm Date Climbed: May 14, 2004
Route Climbed: Flat Laurel Creek> SN Summit TrailOne of our 1st Sixers.
tioga - May 12, 2009 2:02 pm Date Climbed: May 10, 2009
Best in Great Balsam RangeThis is the best peak in the Great Balsam Range. Excellent views from the top and a beatiful peak, with the two summits. This reminded me of a peak in the northeast. And there wasn't a single person on it the morning I climbed it.
MarkDidier - Jul 12, 2008 9:42 am Date Climbed: May 18, 2007
Great Short HikeA nice easy hike with excellent views from the summit.
peakrat76 - Apr 21, 2008 6:46 pm Date Climbed: Apr 16, 2008
Trail Route - Class 1A fun & quick route to the summit via the trail. No one else on the mountain this date. Superb summit view. My first trip to climb in the Blue Ridge & Great Smokies - gained a whole new perspective on the region.
Koonsy - Mar 4, 2008 9:18 pm
Route: From 215The parkway was closed so we hiked out from 215 which was a really nice trail. Great weather and we had the summit to ourselves. I wish the peak was more isolated so the hike would be more rewarding.
buzzdainer - Oct 15, 2007 1:12 am Date Climbed: May 15, 2002
Black Balsam TrailheadFor my money, one of the most beautiful places on earth.
StarMan - Aug 9, 2007 7:59 pm
Great 360 views!Have hiked this one in all seasons from different trailheads.
slick858 - Apr 23, 2007 10:55 am Date Climbed: Apr 22, 2007
Sam knob summit trailGreat Weather in brevard 79 F and 60's with chilly wind on sam knob, too bad it could have been the same up at 6000 ft.
Tbacon251 - Mar 19, 2007 3:32 am Date Climbed: Mar 17, 2007
Great hike!!!Great page Bob! Made the summit on a cold day. Had great weather. Awesome view!!!
Dottie Little Tent - Jan 2, 2007 1:22 am Date Climbed: Jan 1, 2007
New Years Day 07Came from Flat Laurel tr, water was high therefore waterfalls were roaring. Relatively warm (36F) and calm ( slight breeze ) for winter. Great views.
GAHikerGirl - Jun 15, 2006 1:22 am Date Climbed: Jun 6, 2006
A Nice Easy Climb...With really spectacular views. I could see the whole 8+ mile trek along the ridge from Black Balsam Knob to Cold Mountain.
dwhike - Apr 28, 2006 1:28 pm Date Climbed: Jun 20, 2005
Flat Laurel Creek RouteI've climbed Sam Knob a number of times but my favorite route is via the Flat Laurel Creek Trail. An added bonus is exploring the waterfalls along the creek.
TomSellick - Sep 2, 2005 12:57 pm
Route Climbed: From parking area Date Climbed: ManyOne of my favorite campsites is right near Sam Knob...look for it and you might get lucky
Bill Jirousek - Jun 15, 2005 10:21 pm
Route Climbed: From end of Road Date Climbed: May 29, 2005We climbed in full pack; it was kinda hard. Nice views going up and the trail was well-maintained. We set up camp on the South summit overlooking a breathtaking valley. The sunset was fantastic and the morning mists were as well.