The Sam Knob Trail starts at the parking area and crosses over 215, heading northeast. Look for the set of stairs on your right, leading uphill to the Mountains to Sea Trail. From here, you’ll embark on your adventure, following the white circle blaze markers. Along the way, you’ll encounter various intersections, all clearly marked.
This hike is suitable for all seasons and offers opportunities for shorter hikes as well. If you’re looking for a quick outing, out-and-back may be the best option for you. You can also choose to extend your hike by continuing along the Mountain to Sea Trail or Flat Laurel Creek Trail to the cascades and Black Balsam.
One of the highlights of this trail is reaching Sam Knob, where you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountain ranges, including Cold Mountain, Richland Balsam, and Black Balsam. The trail also features the cascading Flat Laurel Creek Falls and the chance to explore a quiet native spruce plantation.
