 |  |  |  |
| Sam Knob |
| There's a 360-degree view from the summit of this easy-to-climb knoll |
| Difficulty (1-5): Distance (round trip): Elevation change: Summit: Trail time: Driving time: |
2
4.5 miles
400 feet
6,045
1.5 Hours
2 hours
(round trip)
4.5 miles
400 feet
6,045
1.5 Hours
2 hours
(round trip)
| 2005 |
| | | |
| Copyright 2008 by Tony Austin |
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 400 ft of
elevation change.
trailhead is one of the highest in the region, the climb isn't that steep. There's only 400 ft of
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
large meadow. You"ll see Sam
Knob ahead and the path across the
meadow is easy to follow. At the far
side of the meadow there's a sign
"Sam Knob Summit." Turn right and
follow the trail.
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
large meadow. You"ll see Sam
Knob ahead and the path across the
meadow is easy to follow. At the far
side of the meadow there's 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 top and find several rock out outcroppings that just beg you to
sit for awhile and take in the view. It's a perfect spot for a picnic.
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 top and find several rock out outcroppings that just beg you to
sit for awhile and take in the view. It's a perfect spot for a picnic.
| 2008 |
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. Go 4.6 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.
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. Go 4.6 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.
