Ivestor Gap Trail

3.7 mi - Easy - This trail is one of many which leave the Black Balsam parking lot; check the nearby bulletin board for other high-elevation trails. Ivestor Gap Trail begins as a roadbed which is open to motor vehicles from mid-August until January 2; however, it is highly recommended that only high-clearance, 4-wheel-drive vehicles attempt to negotiate it, as the trail surface is rocky and rough for the first two miles. The trail does not follow a ridgeline, but in clear weather there are some outstanding views of the Shining Rock Wilderness to the west. From Ivestor Gap, you may return to the parking area via the Art Loeb Trail, Section 3 (#146C), for a beautiful, five-mile loop which will give you spectacular views from grass balds; or continue into the Shining Rock Wilderness. The trail ends at Shining Rock Gap. In the Shining Rock Wilderness, no mountain bikes are allowed, trails are maintained to the most primitive standards, fires are prohibited, and a group size of ten is enforced, all in order to preserve solitude and prevent resource damage. Horse riders may continue into the wilderness, but cannot reach Shining Rock Gap: They must turn back at Little East Fork Trail (#107), or take that trail to the Daniel Boone Boy Scout Camp.

Approximate Elevation Change: 130 feet
Blaze: None