Art Loeb Trail
Challenge (ALTC)

The Art Loeb Trail Challenge (ALTC) is the newest addition to the Carolina Mountain Club’s challenge program and is administered in partnership with The Pisgah Conservancy.

The challenge is to complete the entire 30.1-mile Art Loeb Trail, which stretches through Pisgah National Forest from Davidson River Campground near Brevard to the Daniel Boone Boy Scout Camp near Waynesville.

Along the way, hikers traverse the Shining Rock Wilderness, cross iconic Appalachian balds such as Black Balsam Knob and Tennent Mountain, and enjoy sweeping views of Cold Mountain and the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains. Named one of National Geographic’s 33 Best Hikes in North America, the Art Loeb Trail offers a demanding adventure for hikers and backpackers seeking rugged terrain, significant elevation changes, and spectacular scenery.

Unlike CMC’s other challenge programs, the Art Loeb Trail Challenge must be completed in one continuous effort. Participants may complete the trail either as a multi-day backpacking trip or as a single-day ultramarathon hike.

Named for longtime Carolina Mountain Club member Arthur J. “Art” Loeb, the trail stands as a tribute to his lifelong dedication to conservation and the Southern Appalachians. Completing the challenge honors his legacy while introducing a new generation of hikers to one of the region’s classic long-distance trails.

For information and inquiries about the Art Loeb Trail Challenge, contact
Paul Scalese at ALTC@carolinamountainclub.org.

Challenge Rules

The ALTC is a different kind of challenge in contrast to the other challenges that we administer, in that one must not just complete all sections of the trail; rather the Art Loeb Trail must be completed in one go. This can either be done as a multi-day backpacking trip, or as a grueling single day ultra.

The Art Loeb Trail is both a test of endurance and a tribute to Art Loeb, a late CMC member known for his dedication to conservation and love for these mountains. Tackling the traverse — and for some, adding Cold Mountain — is a way of walking in his footsteps and keeping his legacy alive. At the same time, the challenge provides an accessible, exciting entry point for younger members, strengthening CMC’s community for the next generation.

In order to receive patch and credit, you must be a current CMC member at the time of completion. There will be special outlined patches for those who 1. Complete the challenge in a single day, or 2. Add on Cold Mountain (2.8 miles roundtrip from Deep Gap) as part of the trek.

Special Recognition

Participants receive a commemorative challenge patch upon completion.

Special patch variations are awarded to those who:

• Complete the entire trail in a single day.
• Complete the trail and include the 2.8-mile round-trip hike to Cold Mountain from Deep Gap as part of the same continuous journey.

Recognition

Completed ALTC applications are accepted by email only. Scan or photograph your completed challenge log and email it to Paul Scalese at ALTC@carolinamountainclub.org with the subject line “ALTC Completion.” Paper applications are not accepted.

Successful participants receive:

• An ALTC patch
• A certificate of completion
• Recognition at the Carolina Mountain Club Annual Meeting

Awards can also be mailed upon request.

Please allow 4–6 weeks for review and processing. As a volunteer organization, CMC appreciates your patience.

Participants must be current Carolina Mountain Club members. There is no additional charge for the patch and certificate for current members.