Rather than describe it as a "hike", I have portrayed the trail to the top of Black Balsam as a "wander". The trail twists through the forest and then up the mountain balds, a unique and interesting environment. You'll want to stop and explore many things along the way, or just linger and enjoy the view.

	High Elevation Vegetation View of the Balds Treeline? Flagging View from the First Knob The Art Loeb Trail Cedar Rock Mountain Ivestor Gap Trail Black Balsam Mountain Blueberries! View Along the Ridge Graveyard Fields & Looking Glass Rock View of Mt. Pisgah Lonely Trees The Bald Mount Hardy Along the Ridge View Towards Shining Rock & Cold Mountain Close-up of Shining Rock At Sunset