Ultra on the Art Loeb Trail

June 21, 2020

Trail runners and endurance hikers looking to put in some serious mileage, this one's for you! Enjoy a supported adventure on the view-packed Art Loeb Trail, summitting 6000' peaks on the Balsam Range of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Hike or run on your own with a guide stationed every 8-10 trail miles for food, encouragement, and first aid. This is an advanced trip! All participants should have extensive hiking or trail running experience and be comfortable be on trail on their own. Participants should be prepared to be on trail for 8-12 hours.

"Perfect summer solstice celebration by traversing 30 miles of Western NC's Black Balsam range on the iconic Art
Loeb Trail. Huge thanks to Jennifer Pharr Davis and her amazing Blue Ridge Hiking Company guides who supported
us with ice cold coke, watermelon, Snickers, and more. Art Loeb is one tough and beautiful trail that should be on
every adventurers bucket list - 8k of vertical with a high point of 6200 feet!" - S.S., Ultra on the Art Loeb, June 2019

Cost:

$175 per person

This trip will run if there are a minimum of 3 participants signed up. The maximum group size is 10 participants. If the minimum group size has not yet been met, we'll reach out to participants 2 weeks before the trip date (June 7) to discuss options.

Cost includes the assistance of two support personnel, transportation between Davidson River Campground and Daniel Boone Scout Camp, and nutrition and first aid at the support locations. Day hiking gear also available upon request.

Sign-Up Details:

In order to sign up for this trip, please go to our trips calendar and select the trip start date (June 21st). You will find the trip listed there.

Before the start of the trip, we will be in contact via email with an information packet and a form for you to fill out. This form includes a waiver, health form, and information about gear needs and dietary restrictions. Please complete and return this form at your earliest convenience. The information packet also includes a packing list.

Itinerary:

You will meet your guide at 6am near the southern terminus of the Art Loeb Trail in Brevard, NC. Your guide will pass out any needed gear and food for the first leg of the trip. They will then provide transportation to the trailhead. Because of the length and remoteness of the trail, each participants is required to carry a headlamp and a method of water purification (either a filter or chemical treatment).

The trip begins at the Daniel Boone Scout Camp trailhead. From there, you will follow the Art Loeb Trail across the entire Balsam Range (at elevations of 6000'+) to wind down into Davidson River Camp in Pisgah National Forest; 30 miles of incredible views and rugged terrain! We will have support locations set up at MP12, MP17, and MP25. Before the trip, we will provide open hours for each support location.

Cancellation Policy:

Payment in full is required to register. Trip cost includes a 15% non-refundable administrative fee. Hike may be cancelled up to 2 weeks before the trip for a refund (minus the 15% fee). Within 2 weeks, a 50% refund will be offered. Within 48 hours, a refund will only be offered if Blue Ridge Hiking Company cancels the trip due to severe weather.

What to Bring:

Food: BRHC provides all on-trail food for the trip. When your guides arrive, they will pass out food for the first leg of the trip. Please let us know of any dietary restrictions ahead of time.

Community Gear: BRHC provides all community gear for the trip, including water, water filters, back-up chemical treatment; trowels, toilet paper, and hand sanitizer; first aid kit; and map and compass.

Individual Use Gear: BRHC offers limited options for gear rental if desired at no additional cost

Backpack - We have a limited number of hiking daypacks if needed; check in with us ahead of time.
Trekking Poles - Great for knee issues or shortness of breath; hiking style extendable poles avaialble.
Headlamp - A required piece of safety gear due to the length of the trip.

Personal Items: You are expected to bring your own clothing, personal gear (such as daypacks, headlamps and water bottles) and medications. Generally, comfortable trail shoes are better than heavy hiking boots. Please do not pack any cotton - if it gets wet, it does not dry quickly and will not keep you warm. Athletic clothes are a good option. You will need a rain coat and a warm layer (fleece). We recommend all participants bring a backup water filtration method, incase you need water between support locations. Participants are required to carry a headlamp. Your guide can help lighten pack weight and offer suggestions on tackling the terrain as well as a host of great information as well!

If your guide does an exceptional job, please show your appreciation with a tip.

If you have any questions regarding this trip, you can reach us by phone at 828-713-5451 or by email at trips@blueridgehikingco.com.