The hike takes you to three major destinations – Black Balsam Knob, Tennent and Shining Rock Gap on the Art Loeb Trail [#146 - white]. You then pick up the Old Butt Knob Trail [#332 – no blazes] and a herd path to Shining Rock.

Returning to Shining Rock Gap, take the Ivestor Gap Trail [#101 – no blazes], an easy railroad grade trail back to the parking area.

Length: 10.7 miles
Altitude gain: 2,200 ft.

Map: Pisgah Ranger District, Pisgah National Forest National Geographic Trails Illustrated #780.

Trailhead: From the Blue Ridge Parkway - MP 420.2, make a right on FS 816 and drive 1.3 miles to the parking lot at the end of the road.