"Hungering for wide open spaces? For a relatively easy hike, you can do a short section of the Art Loeb Trail in the Shining Rock Wilderness. It is somewhat steep, somewhat rocky but short, and I can't think of a better place to fly a kite.Take the Parkway south (west) of Asheville and go 1 mile past Graveyard Fields (at milepost 418). On the right, look for Forest Service Road #816 - it's pave but inconspicuous. Follow FS 816 about 1/2 mile and look for where the Mountains-To-Sea Trail crosses it - most likely you will see a number of other cars parked along the shoulder of the road hear. Park on the shoulder. Follow the trailhead on the right-hand (east) side of the road. After rising slightly through a spruce grove, the Art Loeb Trail and the MST part ways. Follow the Art Loeb Trail, which is the left fork. It will take you up to the top of Black Balsam Knob in less than a mile. Fantastic views, open space and clear skies in spring and fall.