Art Loeb Trail Shuttles

Pura Vida Adventures offers Art Loeb Trail Shuttles, Black Balsam shuttles, guided day hikes of the Art Loeb trail, and multi day backpacking and slackpacking trips of the Art Loeb Trail. Learn more about our Foothills Trail Shuttles.

Art Loeb Trail Shuttle

Est. in 2006 we are the oldest Art Loeb shuttle service, unlike many other shuttle services we are permitted through the USFS.

Don’t risk having your shuttle cancelled go with us a permitted and time tested company!

Art Loeb Trail Shuttles

Art Loeb trail  shuttles are running now! 

Book your Art Loeb trail shuttle online.

Planning ahead. Always call for best possible rates. If the van is running we want to fill it up and will do our best to match any competitor rates.

Art Loeb Trail Shuttle: Southbound hikers

Southbound Hikers want the Art Loeb shuttle (6am or 7am, 9:30am (seasonally) afternoon typically 3 or sometimes 4pm), Northbound hikers want the Camp Daniel Boone pickup (7:15 or 8:15am, 10:30am (seasonally)afternoon typically 4:15 or sometimes 5:15pm). Inquire about private shuttle options if these times do not work for you. We highly recommend you book your shuttle at the front end of your trip as our shuttles can not wait if you do not arrive on time. If you need a time not listed on our calendar contact us directly and we will do our best to accommodate if our schedule allows.

Customized shuttles and Evacuation/ Bail out assistance available: If you need a shuttle at a time not available online. Contact us (text or phone 772-579-0005) directly for rate and availability.

We meet at Hub Bike shop(11 mama’s place Pisgah Forest, NC) (once we gather here we will caravan about 1.5 miles to the trailhead, This ensures cell phone communication by meeting at hub)

Once we gather at 11 Mama’s Place we will caravan to the trailhead and drop off your vehicles, this ensures cell phone communication) If for some reason you need to be picked up at Davidson River trailhead this request can be accommodated if you contact us via email or text. (please include your booking number and request a pick up at Davidson River trailhead. We will then provide further instructions on the specific meeting location).

North Bound hikers: Camp Daniel Boone pickup

This shuttle picks up at the Camp Daniel Boone trail head of the Art Loeb trail. It drops off at Davidson River Art Loeb trailhead or Black Balsam (please let us know when booking if you need drop off at Black Balsam). Participants should meet your shuttle driver at Camp Daniel Boone Art Loeb trailhead and be packed and ready to leave upon his arrival. The shuttle arrives typically 15- 30 minutes after the hour your shuttle is booked for.

Standard Rates:

1 person – $145 (Cash option available $130, Book online and bring cash on the day of your shuttle, we will refund your credit card and you will receive the cash rate)
Group of 2 – $160(Cash option available $140, Book online and bring cash on the day of your shuttle, we will refund your credit card and you will receive the cash rate)
Group of 3 or more- $60 a person, (Cash option available $170 group of 3, $55 a person group of 4 or more, Book online and bring cash on the day of your shuttle, we will refund your credit card and you will receive the cash rate)

Call or text 772-579-0005 with questions.  We l0ok forward to assisting you.

Planning ahead.

Always call for best possible rates.

Dogs are allowed on the shuttle if they are friendly however they are charged like people.
(Ex.If you have 2 ppl and 1 dog you would need to book for 3ppl)

The 31 mile Art Loeb Trail is one of the most popular weekend backpacking trails in the Asheville area. The trail begins at Camp Daniel Boone and travels through the High Balsams of the Shining Rock Wilderness Area and drops into the forest covered lands along the last two thirds of the trip ending at Davidson River Campground. The Art Loeb has been described as the highlights of the Appalachian Trail compressed into 31 miles. Some of the highlights along the trail include Shining Rock Ridge, Tennet Mountain, Black Balsam Mountain, Pilot Mountain, and the rock face of Cedar rock.

The most popular hike is from North to South because it provides a little less elevation gain and provides for easy alternative exits if the trail or weather makes it difficult for hikers. Many backpackers with only a weekend who find the 31 miles a bit daunting will either hike the northern section from Camp Daniel Boone to the Blue Ridge Parkway (approximately 14miles, shuttle cost see Daniel Boone pickup) or the southern end the Blue Ridge Parkway to Davidson River Campground (approximately 20 miles, shuttle cost Blue Ridge Parkway shuttle rates). It is important for backpackers hiking in the North Carolina area to understand their limits based on the elevation demands along the trip.

There are no refunds of any type for shuttle service. A shuttle credit will be provided if you cancel 72 hours or more in advance of your shuttle. A $45 rescheduling fee will apply when you reschedule your trip. In the case we determine severe weather is in the forecast (typically only in winter) we may need to cancel your shuttle and provide a full refund.

Art Loeb Trail Shuttles, Permitted through the US Forest Services, Pisgah Ranger District, We supply transportation to the trail head at Daniel Boone Campground. You leave your car at Davidson River (Shuttle services can also be provided in the other direction by booking Daniel Boone pickup, northbound hikers)

Blue ridge Parkway shuttles and Black Balsam shuttles solo $130, $140 for groups of 2, $55 a person for a group of 3 or more

Max transportation 13-15 people

Pura Vida Adventures offers Art Loeb Trail Shuttles, Guided day hikes of the Art Loeb trail, and multi day backpacking and slackpacking trips of the Art Loeb Trail. Please contact us at 772-579-0005 or contact@pvadventures.com A few more details on the  Art Loeb Trail.

Frequently asked questions…

Water source 1 (WS1) Just before deep gap 1 where the trail makes its southern bend on the ridgeline, (WS2)after passing black balsam there is a short spur from the art loeb that takes you to the black balsam parking area. from there head north on Ivestor Gap trail for about 200m and you will see a spring on your right, (WS3) Deep Gap Shelter, (WS4)Butter Gap Shelter. ALL THESE WATER SOURCES WILL BE IN OPPOSITE ORDER IF YOU ARE HIKING NORTH TO SOUTH.

This is completely up to you, either a water pump or chemical tablets will work fine.

NOAA weather website at Mount Pisgah. Is there a rule of thumb as to how much cooler it is at 6,000 feet than in Brevard? Typically 20- 30 degrees.

Sunset Motel in Brevard has the cheapest rates. Once you have booked with us we can provide you a code for a discount at the Holiday Inn Brevard another option is the Hampton Inn Brevard.

Gloucaster Gap, Butter Gap Trail to the fish hatchery, Cat Gap Trail to the fish Hatchery, North Slope Connector trail

Be sure to pay attention to your map and compass, specifically on the northern end until you leave the wilderness area as the trail is only vaguely marked in this area. Please note that campfires are not allowed within the wilderness area on the northern end of the trail.

Although the guide book recommends the Art Loeb Trail be hiked from south to north. It is Pura Vida Adventures’ recommendation that the Art Loeb trail be hiked from North to South. The reasons include less elevation gain, better distribution of water sources and campsites, easier access to bail out routes later in the trail, and most difficult navigation will be at the beginning of your hike.

The Art Loeb shuttle takes 1.5 hours one direction. It is a 3 hour drive for your shuttle driver.

We can pick you up from the Asheville airport for an additional $40. If you need to be dropped off at the airport we can accommodate this as well for an additional $40. If your party is greater than 3ppl the airport transportation is an additional $10 a person after 3ppl.

Blue Ridge Shuttles

$130 for one person, $140 for a group of 2ppl, $55 a person for groups of 3 or more