Plott Balsam Range Traverse (NC)

Jackson County, North Carolina, United States

22.5 miles (36.2 km) · 7,066 ft elevation gain · Loop · trail · Route

Route facts

Distance	22.5 mi (36.2 km)
Elevation gain	7,066 ft (2,154 m)
Average gain	315 ft per mile (60 m per km)
Longest climb	4.0 mi, 2,694 ft of gain
Steepest climb grade	36.9%
Runnable	35% of the route
Climbs / descents	3 climbs, 3 descents
Profile shape	Up, then down
Difficulty score	16.3 of 100
Surface	trail
Route shape	Loop
Type	Route

Grade breakdown

Grade band	Share of route
Flat	5%
Mild uphill	10%
Moderate uphill	8%
Steep uphill	29%
Mild downhill	9%
Moderate downhill	11%
Steep downhill	27%

Questions about Plott Balsam Range Traverse (NC)

How much elevation gain does Plott Balsam Range Traverse (NC) have?

Plott Balsam Range Traverse (NC) has 7,066 ft (2,154 m) of elevation gain over 22.5 miles (36.2 km). That averages 315 ft of gain per mile.

How difficult is Plott Balsam Range Traverse (NC)?

The difficulty score for Plott Balsam Range Traverse (NC) is 16.3 of 100. That is harder than 85.8% of routes at a similar distance. About 35% of the route is runnable at typical trail effort; the rest is steep enough that most runners hike.

What is the longest climb on Plott Balsam Range Traverse (NC)?

The longest climb on Plott Balsam Range Traverse (NC) runs 4.0 miles (6.4 km) and gains 2,694 ft (821 m). The steepest climb grade on the route is 36.9%.