Balsam Mountain Trailhead

This is an amazing drive. It is not paved and is one way. You do not need 4x4 as it's all downhill, but your vehicle does need a bit of clearance and decent tires. The road is not maintained. It is very rocky in places and will freak out a pavement princess driver. Don't bring your Prius or Vette

Four miles to Laurel Gap shelter (alternating gains and loses but with a net elevation gain), a fairly level 6 miles from there to Tricorner Knob shelter. This approach to Tricorner Knob and surrounding mountains and trails is much less steep then the approach up the snake den ridge trail from the north. LONG one way dirt road to trail head. Well maintained and seemingly not terribly trecherous even during a late afternoon summer thunderstorm but would recommend a vehicle with high clearance in any event. Grass shoulder parking for approx 8-10 vehicles.