+ 16
North Slope/Art Loeb Loop
Hiking Trail
Moderate
6.86 mi
1,608 ft
A challenging hike through dense tunnels of rhododendron.
Located just a few minutes from Pisgah Forest and Brevard, this is a beautiful hike through dense tunnels of rhododendron. It's also one of the best marked routes near town, making it hard to get lost.
Nearly 31 miles, the [Art Loeb]( is possibly the most recognized trail in Pisgah National Forest. The northern terminus of the trail is the Daniel Boone Boy Scout Camp near Waynesville, while the southern terminus is at the Davidson River Campground just a short drive from Brevard. This loop Pairs the North Slope Trail with a few miles of the Art Loeb near Davidson River Campground.
Beginning at the Davidson River Campground, the loop is most often hiked clockwise. The Art Loeb follows the river east, crossing a picturesque foot bridge along the way. Shortly after, the Estatoe Trail heads into town, while the Art Loeb climbs up to the right.
The first half of this route is a quad-busting roller coaster over several small unnamed peaks. The trail is lined with dense rhododendron and gnarled, exposed roots define most of the path. At the gravel road, the trail continues straight ahead and begins another demanding climb.
After reaching the crest of the climb, the trail descends into a small gap that is frequented by campers. From here, you have just one more short climb before taking a right onto the North Slope Trail.
Steep at first, the trail gently winds its way through a cove as it parallels the runoff from a mountain stream. Be sure to filter any water before you drink it.
Ahead, you have the choice to return to the trailhead on either portion of the North Slope Loop. To the right, the path meanders its way along the slope of the mountain with some occasional climbs and descents. To the left, the trail gradually descends to the river as it joins onto an old road bed. Most prefer the latter.
The final portion of the hike parallels the Davidson River Campground and requires a short road walk to connect back to the trailhead.
Sources:
Written by Brendon Voelker
Located just a few minutes from Pisgah Forest and Brevard, this is a beautiful hike through dense tunnels of rhododendron. It's also one of the best marked routes near town, making it hard to get lost.
Nearly 31 miles, the [Art Loeb]( is possibly the most recognized trail in Pisgah National Forest. The northern terminus of the trail is the Daniel Boone Boy Scout Camp near Waynesville, while the southern terminus is at the Davidson River Campground just a short drive from Brevard. This loop Pairs the North Slope Trail with a few miles of the Art Loeb near Davidson River Campground.
Beginning at the Davidson River Campground, the loop is most often hiked clockwise. The Art Loeb follows the river east, crossing a picturesque foot bridge along the way. Shortly after, the Estatoe Trail heads into town, while the Art Loeb climbs up to the right.
The first half of this route is a quad-busting roller coaster over several small unnamed peaks. The trail is lined with dense rhododendron and gnarled, exposed roots define most of the path. At the gravel road, the trail continues straight ahead and begins another demanding climb.
After reaching the crest of the climb, the trail descends into a small gap that is frequented by campers. From here, you have just one more short climb before taking a right onto the North Slope Trail.
Steep at first, the trail gently winds its way through a cove as it parallels the runoff from a mountain stream. Be sure to filter any water before you drink it.
Ahead, you have the choice to return to the trailhead on either portion of the North Slope Loop. To the right, the path meanders its way along the slope of the mountain with some occasional climbs and descents. To the left, the trail gradually descends to the river as it joins onto an old road bed. Most prefer the latter.
The final portion of the hike parallels the Davidson River Campground and requires a short road walk to connect back to the trailhead.
Sources:
Written by Brendon Voelker
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