Flat Laurel Creek, Little Sam Knob, MST Loop

About the Hike

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Hike Description

Contact hike leader by email for reservation. Limit of 12 hikers. Form carpools and meet hike leader at second meeting place. This is a pleasant loop trail in the Pisgah Ranger District with views of Sam Knob, Fork Ridge, and Flat Laurel Creek. We'll be hiking in a counterclockwise direction, up the MST with a side trip to Devils Courthouse, down the Little Sam Trail and then a gentle return on the Flat Laurel Creek Trail. At times it feels like you?re in an ancient forest. We'll end with a half-mile walk on NC 215 to our cars.Topos: Sam Knob

Scout Report

Lorraine and I throughly enjoyed this scout! I?ve previously been on that section of the MST and Little Sam, of course, but it had been a long time. The first mile or so is an easy to moderate climb on a rocky trail with lots of roots, definitely have to pay attention. The rest of the hike will be a really nice walk in the woods, a few sunny spots though still mostly in the shade which is appreciated in July. The trail is mostly above 5000 ft. and though probably humid to a degree in the summer, the temps will be lower than in Asheville. The detour to Devils Courthouse (~.7 mi.) off the MST involves a short climb to the lookout, could be crowded with tourists, but still worth it! We noticed a new sign for that intersection, a good thing for those unaware. The MST and Little Sam portions of the trail often feel magical and ?old? as we wander on skinny trails amongst thick laurel and balsam. The Flat Laurel creek trail portion is flat and wider, more populated. It runs by the creek sometimes but when we were there, parts of the creek were very low and appeared dry due to the drought. The walk back to the cars will likely be partially in the sun but not for very long.