Stats, trail tips and important information regarding this trail are located at the bottom of the blog post. Unless explicitly noted, all pictures in this blog are owned by me and should otherwise not be used without expressed written consent.

I’ve taken several solo hiking trips in the past. What’s the difference between a solo trip and a companion or group trip? Well, first it’s easier to break out of your comfort zone and talk to others. People often get curious when someone is traveling alone and are more likely to chat you up. Second, it forces you to rely on yourself for planning, logistics, safety and general problem-solving. Building this confidence in yourself is quite a valuable mindset to have.

I hiked Sam Knob Summit on a solo trip to North Carolina and the Blue Ridge Parkway in 2018. North Carolina is a special place – a deep list of gorgeous hikes, tons of beautiful waterfalls, beaches, mountains and good political parity. It makes for a good travel experience.

This hike was quite manageable. I would say the effort-to-reward on this hike is great. The parking lot on this hike was busy but I was able to find a spot. There is a pretty extensive trail system that branches from this parking lot. As always, I like to show the trailhead (or in this case, the first trail marker) for ease of reference. It’s modest, huh?

The walk is pleasant and relatively uneventful until you get to this really cool walking path meadow! How can you not get excited about that!?!

The summit ascent is, as previously described, quite gentle, but there are rocks and other obstacles you’ll need to pay attention to. If you’ve read many of my articles, you’ll know what really gets my goat… wildflower pics with beautiful nature scenery in the background…

Aren’t they cool? I know so. Anyway, I talked about the rocks on the ascent up. This means you shouldn’t be checking your AllTrails app while walking through here – it may prove problematic. 🤷

I love it when it’s summer and the bright green grass contrasts the other colors in nature…

THIS was quite an amazing site 👇. This isn’t the sun’s rays reflecting off of the rock. This is just a white ass rock! It’s a beautiful limestone boulder. 🪨

The views at the top are just simply stunning. At first blush, you may think you’re seeing a shadow effect on the left. No, that would be a concentrated red spruce and balsam fir forest nearby. You can hike through it (and one day I will), but this view is a-okay. If you don’t believe North Carolina is underrated yet, I don’t know what to tell you.

My typical hiking daguerreotype…

I love taking nature-only pictures but sometimes having people in the picture can enhance the peace and tie you to the ambiance and charm of a view. I felt this couple accomplished that with my panoramic picture. I hope you do as well. 🙂

But my stupid thumb (bottom right) on the other hand… 🙃

This hike was worthy of my bucket list. I love to sing the praises of the Blue Ridge Parkway. In fact, that’s where we are holding a special event in our lives later this year.

Total Distance/Time: 2.63 miles in 1 hr 43 min (excludes soak time)
Calories Burned: 388
Trail Type: Out-and-back
Trail Features: Meadows, summit, wildflowers, quartz, boulders, panoramic views, balsam fir
Best Time to Hike: Morning or evening; March-May/September-October
Difficulty Rating: 6/10
Trailhead Coordinates: 35.3256015, -82.8818243
Trail Tips:

• Rocky Situation: Watch out for rocks as you go up the narrow trail ascent.
• Parking Lot: You’ve heard this one from me before, lol. This is a small parking lot so getting there early, late or during off-peak months (winter months, early spring and late summer) are going to be your best bet..