Tennent Mountain Loop

Start where the white-blazed Art Loeb Trail crosses Black Balsam Road (FS 816), using the paved roadside spaces at the crest. Follow Art Loeb over Black Balsam Knob and on toward Tennent Mountain, then turn onto the mostly level Ivestor Gap Trail. That old roadbed brings you back to the larger Black Balsam parking area; walk the short paved FS 816 connector to your car. The route is a true loop, not a duplicated out-and-back line.

Expect rutted tread, rocky steps, and a quick, knee-taxing descent near Tennent. The bald sections are exposed to sun, wind, rain, and sudden temperature changes, while the Ivestor Gap junction can be confusing in fog. The route is best described as moderate to difficult, even though much of the Ivestor Gap section is relatively gentle.

The open grasslands are Southern Appalachian balds, with balsam fir patches and long views toward Shining Rock Wilderness and Looking Glass Rock. Stop on both summits, but keep your map or downloaded track handy: there are several nearby named trails and it is easy to follow the wrong branch when visibility drops.

Roadside parking fills quickly on pleasant weekends, so arrive early. The area has no potable water or restrooms, and winter Parkway closures can cut off the approach. For photos, include the winding trail and a distant ridge from the bald crest; the open foreground gives a phone photo a useful sense of scale. Dogs are welcome on leash, and the wilderness section has a group-size limit of 10 and no wood fires.