Johnny's Latest Adventure

North Carolina's Art Loeb Trail & Davidson River

Johnny and John Cox warm by the fire on the Davidson River

Johnny and long time hiking pal John Cox entered the Pisgah National Forest near Brevard, North Carolina to undertake a three night winter backpacking loop centered on the Art Loeb Trail. Flurries were flying when they left the car and headed up the Davidson River on the Farlow Gap Trail. The short winter day allow them just a short hike to the first night's destination in a flat on the Davidson River.

                 John overlooking cooking oatmeal                                Farlow Gap Trail

Subfreezing temperatures left the rhododendron leaves curled and the backpackers a little chilly, but the morning fire kept them warm. They had coffee and oatmeal then began walking up the Farlow Gap Trail along the Davidson River, which had waterfalls aplenty. In typical winter fashion, the slopes were warm in the sun and freezing in the shade. Such is winter backpacking in the Southern Appalachians. They stopped at the old mica mine just below Farlow Gap for lunch, then continued on to join the Art Loeb Trail.

 Waterfall on the Davidson River

A light snow had mostly melted, even at the mountaintops over which the Art Loeb Trail coursed. they made their way over Sassafras Knob and drifted into Deep Gap, where the Deep Gap shelter was located. A cold night was coming so they laid in the wood. Sure enough the temperature was in the low 20s by dark. A fine sunset over the Blue Ridge was their reward for making the shelter.

Johnny and John hanging out by the fire in front of Deep Gap Shelter

After staying up til about 9:30, they retired to the bags waiting for the temps to really nosedive, surprisingly, the mercury actually rose and its was a balmy 28 degrees when Johnny got  up to revive the morning fire.

Sunset over the Blue Ridge From Deep Gap Shelter

After breaking camp that morning they had the pleasure of climbing Pilot Mountain. The views from the top of the 5000 foot high peak extended as far as the clear winter sky allowed, with great views of Looking Glass Rock. After taking in the views, John and Johnny may the extended 1700 foot descent to Gloucester Gap.

                   On Top of Pilot Mountain

Later that afternoon they made it to Butter Gap Shelter, at the base of Cedar Rock.  Between Pilot Mountain and Butter Gap, the Art Loeb Trail had only minor ups and downs and even a few level sections, allowing the hikers to take in the scenery instead of huffing and puffing.

                           The Davidson River watershed and at Looking Glass Rock

Another warm fire kept the chill at bay. They listened to the Tennessee Volunteers win at basketball then hit the sack, resting for the next day. A hearty meal of kielbasa with red beans and rice kept warmed them. Despite having shelters Johnny slept out under the stars as usual.

Johnny and John by the shelter with the afternoon sun shining on Cedar Rock

                Art Loeb sign                              Cedar Rock                          Butter Gap shelter

They broke camp quickly the final morning and continued under a cloudy sky on the Art Loeb Trail, circling around Cedar Rock, which is quite an impressive feature up close. They finally left the Art Loeb Trail, then headed for another feature -- John Rock. This open rock face offered more vistas into the Davidson river watershed, Looking Glass Rock and the Blue Ridge. The dark cloudy day continue to chill as they made their way back to the Davidson River and the fish hatchery there, ending their Pisgah National winter adventure.

Views from John Rock Below:

Looking Glass Rock from John Rock

Downriver from Johns Rock

Ice covered pine needles from atop Johns Rock