Overview
We will start our morning meeting at your hotel or one of several central bakeries in Asheville that provides our guides favorite breakfast biscuit sandwiches. Once we have all met and gone over the days itinerary, procured breakfast if you're hungry, we will hop on the world-famous Blue Ridge Parkway and start our adventure. We will stop at multiple overlooks on the way to the trailhead.
Once we reach the trailhead it’s a short climb to our first summit, Black Balsam Knob at 6,214’. This view offers an astonishing 360° view of endless valleys, ridge lines, cliffs and rocky outcroppings. Including views of the famous Shining Rock and Shining Rock Wilderness. After soaking up the views and exploring the summit we will adventure on towards Tennent Mountain at 6056’. This part of our hike will boast Rhododendron thickets, Balsam Fir Groves, Blueberries and Blackberries during late summer, and an amazing plethora of plant life. Tennent Mountain offers amazing views of Black Balsam and the surrounding landscape to include an interesting birds eye perspective on Looking Glass Rock and Shining Rock. After time to soak up the views from Tennent Mountain we will hike down the mountain to Ivestor Gap and enjoy a Backcountry Picnic Lunch in a high elevation meadow. Following lunch we will take another route back to the trailhead.
Quick Info
- Price $190.00 Per Group
- Group Size 1 to 3 Hikers
- Distance 5 Mile Loop
- Difficulty 3 out of 5
- Solitude 2 out of 5
- Time 4-5 Hours
What's Included With Your Trip
- Two 6,000' Peaks
- Panoramic Views
- Backcountry Picnic, prepared for you by your guide while you enjoy the scenery.
- Trail Snacks
- A Friendly, Knowledgeable wilderness guide with your best interests in mind at all times throughout the trip.
- A commitment to make the experience exciting, challenging, informative and enjoyable as possible.
- Guide carries a First-Aid kit, emergency communications gear and a cell phone at all times.
What Is Not Included, But Required
- Day Pack
- Hiking Boots or Shoes
- Rain Jacket or Poncho
- Water Bladder or Two Liters of Bottled Water
- Sunscreen
- Specialized Medical Supplies (ex. EpiPen)
What Is Not Included, But Recommended
- Sunglasses
- Sun Hat or Visor
- Camera or Smart Phone
- Extra Water or Beverages
- Gratuity for your Tour Guide
Optional Add-Ons For A Better Experience
Gourmet Backcountry Hot Meals
Prepared by a local professional chef, upgrade your backcountry picnic to a gourmet meal while experiencing breath-taking views. All prepared for you, so you don't lift a finger.
Day Pack
Do you need to borrow a daypack? No problem, we have gear rentals.
Our Top Rated Day Hikes
Shining Rock Summit
- $290 per group
- 1-3 Hikers
- 9.5 Mile Loop
Private Sunrise Hike
- $190 per group
- 1-3 Hikers
- 1.5 Miles Total
Views and Brews
- $390 per group
- 1-3 Hikers
- 3-5 Miles