Conquering the Ivestor Gap, Tennent Mountain & Black Balsam Knob Loop with Simba the Adventure Pup!
Hey friends! Ash here from Life on Paws and Wheels, and this time, Simba (my golden retriever and trail-loving buddy) and I are taking you to one of the most breathtaking high-elevation hikes we’ve tackled yet: the Ivestor Gap Trail + Tennent Mountain + Black Balsam Knob Loop in Pisgah National Forest, North Carolina!
If you dream of wide-open mountaintop views, epic ridge walks, and hiking alongside your pup under endless blue skies, this loop is a bucket-list must in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
If you dream of wide-open mountaintop views, epic ridge walks, and hiking alongside your pup under endless blue skies, this loop is a bucket-list must in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
🗺️ About the Loop
This ~5-mile loop takes you across some of the most iconic bald summits in the region:✔️ Ivestor Gap Trail — a rocky, wide trail that leads you up to the ridgeline.
✔️ Tennent Mountain — an open, grassy bald with stunning panoramic views in every direction.
✔️ Black Balsam Knob — the crown jewel of the hike, with jaw-dropping 360° vistas stretching across the Blue Ridge and Pisgah wilderness.
Expect rocky and exposed sections, moderate elevation gain, and lots of time above the treeline, making it one of the most scenic loops you can do in Western North Carolina.
✔️ Cooler temps — thanks to the high elevation, even summer days felt comfortable.
✔️ Lots of open space — Simba loved bounding along the grassy balds and taking in the views.
✔️ Watch the paws — rocky sections can be rough, so we took extra care on the scrambles.
💧 Bring plenty of water — there’s no shade or water sources on the ridge.
🌬️ Check the weather — conditions change fast at high elevations; be prepared for wind or sudden storms.
🥾 Wear good shoes — rocky paths and uneven sections need sturdy footing.
🐕 Leash your pup + pack snacks — Simba loved his mountaintop treat breaks!
In our latest video, Simba and I guide you through the full Ivestor Gap, Tennent Mountain, and Black Balsam Knob Loop — showing off the panoramic views, trail conditions, and tips for making the most of this epic dog-friendly hike.
🔔 Subscribe for weekly videos on RV life, dog-friendly hikes, and golden retriever adventures!
📲 Follow us everywhere → @lifeonpawsandwheels
✔️ Dog-approved fun — Simba gives it four windswept, happy paws up!
✔️ Scenic ridge walk — wide open, unforgettable landscapes.
✔️ Perfect for RV travelers + hikers looking for a Blue Ridge bucket-list experience.
Thanks for following us on another incredible adventure! Simba and I are crossing the country full-time, chasing the best hikes, views, and dog-friendly destinations. Got a favorite bald summit or ridge hike we should explore? Drop it in the comments — we’d love to hear your recommendations!
Until next time, happy trails and wagging tails! 🐾⛰️🚐
✔️ Tennent Mountain — an open, grassy bald with stunning panoramic views in every direction.
✔️ Black Balsam Knob — the crown jewel of the hike, with jaw-dropping 360° vistas stretching across the Blue Ridge and Pisgah wilderness.
Expect rocky and exposed sections, moderate elevation gain, and lots of time above the treeline, making it one of the most scenic loops you can do in Western North Carolina.
🐾 Hiking with Simba: Dog-Friendly Highlights
✔️ Leashed + dog-friendly — Simba had a blast exploring the wide-open trails and sniffing the mountain breeze.✔️ Cooler temps — thanks to the high elevation, even summer days felt comfortable.
✔️ Lots of open space — Simba loved bounding along the grassy balds and taking in the views.
✔️ Watch the paws — rocky sections can be rough, so we took extra care on the scrambles.
🧭 Tips for Hiking This Loop
🕗 Start early — parking fills up fast, and sunrise or early morning light is magical up here.💧 Bring plenty of water — there’s no shade or water sources on the ridge.
🌬️ Check the weather — conditions change fast at high elevations; be prepared for wind or sudden storms.
🥾 Wear good shoes — rocky paths and uneven sections need sturdy footing.
🐕 Leash your pup + pack snacks — Simba loved his mountaintop treat breaks!
🚐 RV Traveler Tips
If you’re road-tripping in your RV, you can park at nearby trailheads, but overnight RV camping is not allowed at the Black Balsam area. Luckily, there are several RV-friendly campgrounds and forest sites nearby where you can base yourself to explore this and other awesome hikes in Pisgah National Forest.🎥 Watch Our Full Mountain Adventure
In our latest video, Simba and I guide you through the full Ivestor Gap, Tennent Mountain, and Black Balsam Knob Loop — showing off the panoramic views, trail conditions, and tips for making the most of this epic dog-friendly hike.
🔔 Subscribe for weekly videos on RV life, dog-friendly hikes, and golden retriever adventures!
📲 Follow us everywhere → @lifeonpawsandwheels
Why We Loved This Loop
✔️ 360° mountaintop views — some of the best we’ve seen on the East Coast.✔️ Dog-approved fun — Simba gives it four windswept, happy paws up!
✔️ Scenic ridge walk — wide open, unforgettable landscapes.
✔️ Perfect for RV travelers + hikers looking for a Blue Ridge bucket-list experience.
Thanks for following us on another incredible adventure! Simba and I are crossing the country full-time, chasing the best hikes, views, and dog-friendly destinations. Got a favorite bald summit or ridge hike we should explore? Drop it in the comments — we’d love to hear your recommendations!
Until next time, happy trails and wagging tails! 🐾⛰️🚐
Comments
Post a Comment