Black Balsam to Shining Rock to Graveyard Fields


Hike Number: 181

Area Location: Pisgah Ranger District

Trailhead Location: Black Balsam FS 816

Trailend Location: Graveyard Fields Overlook

Hike Type: One Way

Hiking Distance (miles): 11.5

Difficulty: Difficult

Elevation Range: 5,001 / 6,203

Total Elevation Gain: 1,822

Total Elevation Descent: 2,615

Route Map: .\Hiking\Maps\0181.pdf

Route Profile: .\Hiking\Profiles\0181.pdf

Download GPX track: .\Hiking\Download\0181.gpx

Trail Description: From Black Balsam FS 816 to Black Balsam Knob, Tennent Mtn., Ivestor Gap and Grassy Cove Top. Then down to Graveyard Fields..

Topos: Skyland

Special Features: 360* Panoramic View

Flower Season: Early May

DriveHead: Westgate Shopping Center

2nd Meeting Place: *None*

Driving Distance(Miles-RT): 75

Driving Directions: I-26 E to NC 191 S to BRP S; right onto FS 816 to intersection with MST.

Notes: 5-mile car shuttle. On 6/5/05 hike, masses of flying Hemlock Wooly Adelgids were observed at Ivestor Gap.

Hike History: A0502, A0703, A0703, A1004