Safety concerns in a well-loved part of Pisgah:
If you’re familiar with the Pisgah Ranger District, you probably know how challenging it can be to find parking at or around Black Balsam during and beyond peak visitation season. An incredibly popular day trip destination, many visitors come unprepared or find themselves a little turned around once they set out on their adventure.
Before this wayfinding signage was installed, there were safety concerns in the area due to:
- The incredible popularity of this trail complex, including among visitors who aren’t familiar with the area and are inadequately prepared
- The many trail junctions and confusing “social” trails
- The risks of getting lost at such a high elevation (sudden weather changes, exposure to the elements, etc.)
These factors, which led to frequent calls for visitor assistance and rescue by local emergency response authorities, meant this trail system was a priority location for the U.S. Forest Service for improved signage to increase visitor safety.
New wayfinding signage to improve visitor safety:
Shortly after the completion of our very first signage project on another popular trail system in Spring 2024, our Trail Crew moved on up to the high country. They worked quickly to install these composite signs at confusing trail junctions that were previously identified by U.S. Forest Service personnel and our trail staff.
In addition to the new wayfinding signs at these trail junctions, a large, UV-resistant map was installed at the Black Balsam trailhead, where the Art Loeb trail / Mountains-to-Sea trail cross Black Balsam Road (FS 816). A smaller map was also included on a new wayfinding sign at the start of Ivestor Gap trail near the Sam Knob parking area.
These signs will give visitors a clear direction and improve safety in this heavily-visited part of the Pisgah Ranger District.
Outcomes:
- 11 wayfinding signs installed
- One large, detailed map sign at Black Balsam Trailhead
- Clearer wayfinding resources for users of this popular area
- Safer conditions for trail users
