Black Balsam Knob
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| Black Balsam Knob | |
|---|---|
 Black Balsam Knob in autumn |
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| Elevation | 6,214 ft (1,894 m) |
| Location | North Carolina, USA |
| Range | Great Balsam Mountains |
| Prominence | 989 ft (301 m) [1] |
| Coordinates | |
| Topo map | USGS Shining Rock |
| Easiest route | hike |
Black Balsam Knob[1] , also known as Black Balsam Bald, is in the Pisgah National Forest southwest of Asheville, NC near milepost 420 on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
It is the second highest mountain[2] in the Great Balsam Mountains. The Great Balsams are within the Blue Ridge Mountains, which is part of the Appalachian Mountains. It is the 23 highest of the 40 mountains in North Carolina over 6000 feet.[3]
The top of the mountain is a grassy bald that affords a panoramic view. The origin of grassy balds in southern Haywood county is a result of extensive clear-cut logging and the horrible fires that followed a century ago. These fires burned deep down into the mineral rich topsoil slowing reforestation or stopping it altogether. Examples of this cannot only be found on Black Balsam knob, but many of its neighboring peaks and ridges. These unique features contribute greatly to the areas popularity, but the heavy amount of foot traffic also does further damage to this already fragile ecosystem.
The Art Loeb Trail follows the grassy ridge of Black Balsam Knob.
Visible peaks from Black Balsam Knob include:
- Shining Rock in the Shining Rock Wilderness (3 miles north east)
- Looking Glass Rock (5 miles southeast)
- Cold Mountain (6 miles north)
- Mount Pisgah (9.5 miles north east)
- Mount Mitchell. On exceptionally clear days, Mount Mitchell, the highest point in the Eastern United States is visible 45 miles north east.
Contents |
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- ^ USGS GNIS: Black Balsam Knob
- ^ Peakbagger.com - Southern Appalachian 6000-foot Peaks. Retrieved on 2007-07-09.
- ^ The Tallest Mountains in the Eastern U.S.. Retrieved on 2007-07-09.
[edit] External links
- Black Balsam Knob is at coordinates Coordinates:
[edit] Images
 Black Balsam Knob as seen at sunrise from Blueridge Parkway Milepost 419 in autumn. |
 View of summit of Black Balsam Knob covered by early morning spring haze. |
 On summit of Black Balsam Knob during early morning spring haze. |
 Shining Rock 3 miles in the distance as seen from Black Balsam Knob. |
 Looking Glass Rock 5 miles in the distance as seen from Black Balsam Knob. |
 Mount Pisgah 9.5 miles in the distance as seen from Black Balsam Knob. |
