Art Loeb Trail

From the south, the route leaves the Davidson River, climbs Shut-In Ridge, crosses Gloucester Gap, and continues over Pilot Mountain toward the Blue Ridge Parkway. The high-country section includes Black Balsam Knob and Tennent Mountain, both above 6,000 feet, before the trail follows the ridge through Shining Rock Wilderness to Deep Gap and descends steeply toward Camp Daniel Boone. Forest Service section 2 Forest Service section 3 Forest Service section 4

This is a full point-to-point traverse, not a loop: the listed distance is the visitor's total one-way hike, while the mapped line follows the physical corridor once. The Forest Service describes white blazes on the southern sections, but the Wilderness sections can have no blazes or signs, so carry a current map and navigation backup. Water availability varies by section, and the route crosses several junctions and exposed ridges where careful route-finding matters.

Use the Davidson River trailhead lot for the southern start and arrange transportation between the two termini. Overnight parking is not recommended at Gloucester Gap; paved roadside parking is available on FS 816 for the high-country access. At the north end, use the Forest Service trailhead near Camp Daniel Boone and do not park on camp property. Expect steep, rugged terrain and fast-changing weather on the balds. In Shining Rock Wilderness, wood fires are prohibited and groups are limited to 10; check current Forest Service access rules before setting out.