Sam Knob–Split Falls, 5 sights
6.6 mi · ▲ 1,068 ft · 2 hr 44 min
Sam Knob–Split Falls, 5 sights is a 6.6-mile out-and-back in Middle Prong Wilderness near Balsam Grove, NC. The route passes Split Falls and Sam Knob before reaching Sam Knob Viewpoint at the turnaround, 3.3 miles in. It climbs 1,068 ft, with sections as steep as 17% grade, and is mostly dirt. It scores 39/100 on the Ambleway Wildness scale: green fringe.
Elevation
Getting there
Directions
Sam Knob–Split Falls, 5 sights
6.6 mi · ▲ 1,068 ft · 2 hr 44 min
Elevation 4,994–6,075 ft
Out & Back · Middle Prong Wilderness
Trailhead: 35.30805, -82.90919
Weather Sep 4: Overcast, high 74°F / low 61° · precip 21% · wind 5 mph · sunrise 7:07 AM · sunset 7:56 PM
Parking lot at the trailhead
- Start at the trailhead, heading E.
- 200 ftPass Split Falls.
- 2.2 miTurn left onto Sam Knob Trail, heading NE.
- 1 miPass Sam Knob Viewpoint.
- 250 ftReach Sam Knob, then turn around and head back the way you came.
- 1.1 miTurn right onto Flat Laurel Creek Trail, heading SW.
- 2.2 miArrive back at the trailhead.
Each distance is the walk from the previous step. Tap a step for a map of its junction.
Trail surface
Weather
Sunset
The best sunset spot on this hike is 3.1 mi in (~102 min). Leave by 5:54 PM for the 7:56 PM sunset. Back at your car by 9:27 PM, after dark — bring a headlamp.
Good to know
- Parking lot at the trailhead
More from this trailhead
- Split Falls & Flat Laurel Creek Trail 4.5 mi · ▲ 410 ft
- Devils Courthouse–Devils Courthouse Viewpoint, 5 sights 8.6 mi · ▲ 898 ft
- Silvermine Bald–Split Falls, 6 sights 15.1 mi · ▲ 3,226 ft
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Hikes near Balsam Grove, North Carolina