Tennent Mountain
Experience breathtaking 360° views atop Tennent Mountain's open balds in Pisgah National Forest. A hiker's paradise.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds & catch sunrise
Tennent Mountain
Best Time
Beat the crowds & catch sunrise
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience breathtaking 360° views atop Tennent Mountain's open balds in Pisgah National Forest. A hiker's paradise.
"Incredible views and much quieter! I want to do this hike again in the summer and when the leaves are changing!"
🎯 Early Bird Gets the View
Arrive by 8 AM for parking and solitude. Even on holidays, you'll have trails to yourself! :camerawithflash:
💨 Be Prepared for Wind
The summit can be very windy. Bring layers, even in summer. :cloud:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic Bald Views
Summit of Tennent Mountain
Sweeping 360-degree vistas of the Blue Ridge Mountains. A true highlight for any hiker.
Sunrise Spectacle
Tennent Mountain Summit
Witness the sun paint the sky with vibrant colors over the mountains. An unforgettable start to the day.
Art Loeb Trail
Connecting trails
Hike a section of this renowned trail for a true mountain adventure. Offers diverse scenery.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds: Go Early!
Embrace the Elements
+1Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Early Bird Gets the View
Arrive by 8 AM for parking and solitude. Even on holidays, you'll have trails to yourself!
💨 Be Prepared for Wind
The summit can be very windy. Bring layers, even in summer.
🥾 Hike Beyond the Knob
Don't stop at Black Balsam Knob; Tennent Mountain offers quieter, incredible views. :hiking_boot:
🎒 Pack a Picnic
Enjoy your meal with a view! Pack out everything you pack in. :sandwich:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Early Bird Gets the View
Arrive by 8 AM for parking and solitude. Even on holidays, you'll have trails to yourself!
💨 Be Prepared for Wind
The summit can be very windy. Bring layers, even in summer.
🥾 Hike Beyond the Knob
Don't stop at Black Balsam Knob; Tennent Mountain offers quieter, incredible views. :hiking_boot:
🎒 Pack a Picnic
Enjoy your meal with a view! Pack out everything you pack in. :sandwich:
🐾 Watch for Wildlife
Keep an eye out for local fauna, including bobcats!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the breathtaking panoramic views from Tennent Mountain, calling it a must-hike with incredible vistas. Many appreciate the opportunity to hike beyond the more crowded Black Balsam Knob for quieter, equally stunning scenery. Some note the trails can be narrow and the weather unpredictable, requiring preparedness.
"Loved this hike - crowded at first but cleared out after passing black balsam knob. Take the time to hike to Tennent Mtn if you can. Incredible views and much quieter! I want to do this hike again in the summer and when the leaves are changing!"
Anna Askins-Dunn
"Beautiful area to hike in! Many trails that are worth exploring. Art Loeb can be a long hike if you do tbe 7.1 mile loop but is totally worth it! Enjoy spacious views with panoramas all around. The best view is the third summit is a bit into the trail before the descent on the side of the range. Continue down to get to the left turn to do the loop. If you go straight up the hill toward the dead pine trees (there is a sign that says Art Loeb), it will be a ten miler to Shining Rock."
Benjamin Zuehlke
"Absolutely beautiful hike. Took a back packing trip and this trail was part of it. Getting to the top is easy and you can tell a lot of people come just for this and turn around lol. If you're going back packing there are some nice sites around with fire pits and flat ground to set up camp."
Casey Nicole
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Tennent Mountain is about a 50-minute drive from Asheville, NC. Take I-40 West and then US-19 S/US-23 S to NC-215 S. The Black Balsam parking area is a common starting point.
Yes, there's a parking area near Black Balsam Knob, which is the typical trailhead. It fills up quickly, especially on weekends and holidays, so arrive early.
Public transportation is very limited in this mountainous region. Renting a car or using a ride-sharing service (if available and reliable) is recommended for reaching Tennent Mountain.
Many hikers start at the Black Balsam Knob parking area and follow the Art Loeb Trail. You can do a loop that includes Black Balsam Knob, Tennent Mountain, and Ivestor Gap.
The roads leading to the trailhead are generally accessible year-round, but can be impacted by winter weather. Always check local road conditions before you go.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no entrance fees or tickets required to hike Tennent Mountain or access the trails in Pisgah National Forest.
Tennent Mountain is accessible 24/7 as it's an outdoor natural area. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for safety and enjoyment.
Currently, there is no parking fee at the Black Balsam Knob trailhead for Tennent Mountain.
Yes, dispersed camping is allowed in Pisgah National Forest, and there are established campsites around the Black Balsam/Tennent Mountain area. Some sites have fire pits.
For dispersed camping, reservations are generally not required. However, if you plan to use designated campgrounds, check their specific reservation policies.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The hike from Black Balsam Knob to Tennent Mountain is about 2 miles roundtrip, making it a very doable hike. A loop including Ivestor Gap can be around 7.1 miles.
The hike is generally considered moderate. The initial ascent can be steep, and the terrain can be narrow in places.
Wear sturdy hiking shoes or boots. Layers are essential due to changing weather, and a waterproof jacket is advisable.
There are no restrooms directly at the trailhead or on the summit. Plan accordingly and use facilities before you arrive or be prepared for backcountry needs.
The trails can be narrow and overgrown in sections, which might be challenging for very young children. An early start and careful supervision are recommended.
📸 📸 Photography
Sunrise and sunset offer stunning light for landscape photography. The open balds provide excellent opportunities for panoramic shots.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive views. A tripod can be useful for sunrise/sunset shots. Don't forget extra batteries!
The summit itself offers incredible 360-degree views. The open balds leading up to the summit are also prime photography locations.
Drone usage is subject to regulations within Pisgah National Forest. Check current FAA and Forest Service guidelines before flying.
Spring offers blooming wildflowers, summer provides lush greenery, and fall boasts vibrant foliage. Each season offers unique photographic opportunities.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider focusing on the hike to Black Balsam Knob first, as it's a bit more accessible, and then decide if your children are up for the additional trek to Tennent Mountain. The open balds offer great spots for kids to run around (under supervision) and enjoy the expansive scenery.
🎒 Budget Backpackers
You can also take advantage of free dispersed camping in Pisgah National Forest, with established sites often found near the trailheads. Pack your own food and water to keep costs down. The Art Loeb Trail offers a fantastic opportunity for an affordable overnight adventure with incredible views.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
The open balds provide unobstructed views perfect for capturing the vastness of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Bring a wide-angle lens to encompass the sweeping panoramas and a tripod for those low-light conditions. Consider visiting during the fall for vibrant foliage or spring for blooming wildflowers to add color to your shots.
The chance to spot wildlife, like the bobcat, also adds an exciting element for nature photographers. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art Loeb Trail Experience
It offers a true immersion into the rugged beauty of the Pisgah National Forest. Hikers often describe sections of the Art Loeb Trail near Tennent Mountain as offering sweeping panoramic views and a sense of adventure.
While some parts can be narrow and overgrown, creating a tunnel-like experience through brush, the payoff is the expansive balds and vistas. For those looking for a longer trek, the Art Loeb Trail can be combined with other routes to create multi-day backpacking trips.
Always carry essentials like water, snacks, and navigation tools when exploring this iconic trail.Sunrise and Sunset Magic
Many photographers and early risers make the trek in the dark to catch these golden hours.To experience this without the crowds, an early morning start is crucial. Hikers report being on the trail by 6:10 AM and reaching the summit in time for sunrise, often finding themselves with the views mostly to themselves.
Evenings can also offer beautiful light, though crowds might linger longer. The changing colors of the sky reflecting off the rolling Blue Ridge Mountains create a breathtaking panorama.
Remember to bring a headlamp for your return trip if you stay for sunset.Wildlife Encounters
It's a reminder of the wild beauty of the Pisgah National Forest. One notable sighting shared online is of a bobcat filmed in the Black Balsam/Tennent Mountain area.
This serves as a great example of the diverse wildlife that inhabits these mountains. Other common sightings might include deer, various bird species, and smaller mammals. When exploring, it's important to maintain a safe distance from all wildlife and never feed them. Observing animals respectfully from afar enhances the experience and helps protect their natural behaviors.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit