Sam Knob & Black Balsam Knob Loop

It was a cloudless, sunny day with light winds and cool early fall temperatures of low 50's to mid-60's . . . just right for a hike. Unfortunately, we were a week or so late to catch the best fall colors, except the views from Devil's Courthouse Overlook to the lower, southward, elevations which were better. Also, the trails were a bit more of a challenge than expected with deep "trenching" from extensive use, rains, little run-off control and the lack of any apparent maintenance. In many sections, the trails are very rocky or rooty requiring careful footing and slow going. Nevertheless, the rewards of this hike are spectacular, almost endless, mountain views. This is a moderate to difficult hike, difficult mostly from the trail conditions, but to a lesser extent from the two fairly steep mountain climbs. Today's Hikers: Bobbie Broussard, Jane Voss, Matt Henderson & Toby and Mike Bell