Black Balsam Knob

The Black Balsam area includes some of the most spectacular mountain balds in the Southern Appalachians, including Black Balsam Knob, Sam Knob, and Tennent Mountain. These treeless mountaintops draw people from afar due to their sweeping views and alpine appearance. The trail to Black Balsam Knob travels across unique and interesting mountain balds.The trail to Black Balsam Knob travels across unique and interesting mountain balds.In addition to these balds, trails in the Black Balsam area lead into dark forests, through streamside meadows, and to cascading waterfalls along Flat Laurel Creek. And although many of this area's points of interest are outside the Shining Rock Wilderness boundary, Black Balsam is also a popular gateway to the Shining Rock Wilderness Area to the north. Many people choose to start their journey into the wilderness from here.