This guide provides everything you need to know about hiking the Sam Knob Trail, from where to park to trail length and what to expect on the mountain.
Located just one hour from Asheville, Sam Knob is a mountain peak in the Great Balsam Mountain subrange of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The trail offers a diverse range of features including a sprawling mountain meadow, dense forests and long-range mountain views.
With multiple trail spurs to rock outcroppings at the summit, you will find views in every direction from just over 6,000 feet elevation. Sam Knob is one of Pisgah National Forest’s many gems.
What You’ll Find In This Article
This guide shares everything to know about the Sam Knob Trail before your visit, including details on parking, information on each of the trails and whether we recommend it for kids.
Quick Facts
Trailhead location: Black Balsam Knob Road
Trail length: 2.5-mile out-and-back
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation change: ~550 ft
Distance from downtown Asheville: 38 miles
Drive time from downtown Asheville: 1 hour
Trail Condition: Well maintained and traveled; roots and rocks on the trail in the forested mountain climb section.
Directions to Sam Knob
The Sam Knob Trailhead is located at the end of Black Balsam Knob Road at Milepost 420 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The trailhead is just under 40 miles southwest of Asheville.
From downtown Asheville, the entire drive to Sam Knob is on the Blue Ridge Parkway with breathtaking views along the way.
Alternatively, you can approach the parkway from Brevard via US-276, passing attractions like Looking Glass Falls and Cradle of Forestry.
The trailhead for Sam Knob is at the parking lot at the end of Black Balsam Knob Road, just over a mile from the turn-off of the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Check out the quintessential mountain town of Brevard after your hike. Our Guide to Brevard, NC will give you all the information you need to make the most of your visit!
Parking At the Sam Knob Trailhead
Sam Knob has a relatively large off-street parking lot with over 30 spaces. If the parking lot fills up, you can also park on the side of the road just before the parking lot. The parking area has primitive restroom facilities.
Sam Knob Trail
Black Balsam Knob Road is a popular hiking area home to several trailheads. While Sam Knob is often overshadowed in popularity by Black Balsam Knob, Sam Knob is often less crowded and has more diverse features to hike through.
While the Sam Knob Trail is an out-and-back trail, you can pair it with the Flat Laurel Creek Trail for a longer hike (~4 mi) that loops back to the same parking lot.
Sam Knob Trailhead
You will find the trailhead for Sam Knob just to the right of the restroom building. There is a metal gate and trail marker at the start of the trail.
Sam Knob Trail
The Sam Knob Trail is a 2.5-mile out-and-back trail that takes you through mountain meadows and climbs through forests to reach a peak of over 6,000 feet where you will be rewarded with panoramic views in every direction.
The Trail starts on a gravel path through a wooded scrub area before emerging into a sprawling mountain meadow. The trail travels straight through the meadow and immerses you in wildflowers during spring and summer months. You will be able to see the peak of Sam Knob straight ahead as you cross the meadow.
At the far end of the meadow, follow the trail sign for Sam Knob Summit to the right. The trail to the left takes you back to the parking lot via the Flat Laurel Creek Trail.
At this point, you will enter the forest section of the hike and begin your climb to the top of Sam Knob. This section of trail is densely wooded with several switchbacks, steps and rock scrambles.
After about half a mile you will emerge from the dense forest near the peak of Sam Knob surrounded by shrubs and small trees. At this point, you will begin to see the long-range views you were promised.
At the top of the mountain, several short spurs take you to rock outcroppings where you can have a rest, picnic or just take in the views.
Know Before You Go
The parking lot can fill up and the trail can get busy during popular times. Be sure to arrive early to beat the crowds!
There is little shade in the meadow section of the hike so pack sunscreen and a hat!
Hiking With Kids At Sam Knob
The Sam Knob Trail is a popular destination for families with experienced kid hikers. It is a great length for kids at just 2.5 miles. There are some challenging climbs and scrambles making it difficult for younger children.
For those kids who have some experience hiking it’s a very exciting trail. With the ever-changing surroundings, it’s sure not to get boring and the awe-inspiring view at the summit is a great reward for the effort.
If you are wondering whether it’s the right trail for you, make sure to consider the length of time your kids will want to walk. Plan on one and a half hours to the summit if your kids aren’t the trail-running type. This allows for a few stops along the way. It’s typically a bit quicker on the way back, but the whole experience can easily fill an entire morning.
Another tip? Pack several snacks and lots of water! And don’t forget hats and sunscreen as there is little shade in the mountain meadow.
If hiking with younger kids, consider bringing a backpack for child carrying to use when their legs inevitably stop working.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Sam Knob Trail is 2.5 miles long traversing out and back from the parking lot trailhead to the summit of Sam Knob.
Sam Knob is a great hike for children with experience hiking. Be prepared to carry younger kids as there is a strenuous ascent up the mountain with some scrambles. And bring snacks because you’ll want to spend a bit of time at the summit to let your kids rest before hiking back down.
Yes, the Sam Knob Trail is dog-friendly. Dogs must be leashed at all times.
There’s an off-street parking lot at the Sam Knob trailhead located at the end of Black Balsam Knob Road. It fills up early during peak season, so plan to arrive early!
Yes, there are primitive restrooms at the Sam Knob trailhead.
Mount Pisgah is located at milepost 408.6 on the Blue Ridge Parkway.