Shining Rock Wilderness - Art Loeb Trail and 6k Peak Bagging Extravaganza

This is going to be a long, scenic day in the Shining Rock Wilderness. The goals of this day is to bag a number of 6,000 ft peaks, take in some views and break a curse by finishing my own section hike of the Art Loeb Trail. 

The 30 mile Art Loeb Trail has been cursed for me. Last year, I started a thru backpack with my son, we had a great time completed three days and about 18 miles before were forced off at the Blue Ridge Pkwy due to injury. Then, earlier this year, I did the Cold Mountain section but we missed out on bagging Shining Rock peak. This will (hopefully) complete the last ALT section and break the curse. This is a bucket list item so I'm determined to finish. 

Our day will start at the Sam Knob trailhead, and a quick ascent to our first 6k peak Sam Knob (6,050 ft), then descend back down and a right turn on the Little Sam Knob Trail. Next stop is Devil's Courthouse to take in views after passing under the Blue Ridge Parkway. After a quick snack, we will head toward and ascend the second peak, Silvermine Bald (5,976 ft) and join with the famed Art Loeb Trail here at about mile 3. On the high ridgeline, we will reach our third and highest peak of the day, Black Balsam Knob (6,201 ft). Continuing on the ALT, we will crest Tennent Mountain (6,057 ft), Grassy Cove Top (6,050 ft) and Flower Knob (5,889 ft) and finally leave the ALT at the trail junction with a side trip to our final 6k peak of Shining Rock (6,001 ft). After returning to the ALT trail junction, we will take the Little East Fork side trail which meets the Ivestor Gap Trail which we will take all the way back to our cars at Sam Knob trailhead. 

The event has many great views along the roughly 17 mile route. I have provided a map of the preferred route below but the starting place and direction may vary depending on parking availability and the weather. None of the ascents on the hike are huge but there are many moderate climbs of several hundred feet that do add up. Difficulty wise I would say this is a fairly moderate D5.

I plan on keeping a moderate steady pace and like to stop to enjoy the great views. We may move a bit quicker through the less scenic parts to allow for more time at the good parts. 

Thanks to Eric P. for part of the write-up and inspiration for this hike.

Sam Knob Trailhead
https://goo.gl/maps/gzXpYgZbHdqb7A7h6