There's a 360-degree view from the summit of this easy-to-climb knoll
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Difficulty (1-5):
Distance (round trip):
Elevation change:
Summit:
Trail time:
Driving time:
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2
4.5 miles
400 feet
6,045 feet
1.5 hours
2 hours (round trip)
Copyright 2007 by Tony Austin
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Directions to trailhead: From the main entrance to Lake Toxaway Estates on Hwy 64, go east 8
miles to SR 215.At Headwaters Outfitters,turn left. Go 17 miles to the entrance to the Blue Ridge
Parkway.. Turn left under the bridge, then left at the top of the ramp.Go4.6 miles and look for FS
road 816 (Black Balsam Road) and turn left. This road ends in about a mile at the parking area for
Sam Knob. It's about an hour's drive from Lake Toxaway Estates.
Sam Knob offers an incredible 360-degree view from the summit of a 6,000 footer--but
since the trailhead is one of the highest in the region the climb isn't that steep. There's only
a 400-foot elevation change.
From the parking area, look for the trailhead to the right of the toilets. There is a small sign
"Sam Knob Summit." This level trail follows an old roadbed until you come to a meadow.
You'll see Sam Knob ahead. The path through the meadow is easy to follow and at the far
side there is a sign "Sam Knob Summit." Turn right and follow the trail.
From this point you start to ascend but the trail is gradual and it's made gentle by a series
of switchbacks. Along the way you'll get occasional glimpses of the view that awaits you at
the summit.
Stay on the main trail and soon you'll reach the top and find several rock outcroppings that
just beg you to sit for a while and take in the view. It's a perfect spot for a picnic.