Shining Rock Wilderness

The Shining Rock Wilderness in North Carolina offers open vistas from bald hilltops, an abundance of wildflowers, and of course, the shining rock, a micaceous rock outcrop. We will explore the area on a loop connecting two of North Carolina’s long trails that lead through the area—the Art Loeb Trail and the Mountain-to-Sea Trail.

We will be hiking about 12 miles a day, following the Big East Fork Trail, the Mountain-to-Sea Trail, the Art Loeb Trail, and the Shining Creek Trail. We will do side-trips to vistas, waterfalls, and Shining Rock.

Will be camping around 6,000 ft of elevation so be prepared for cold temperatures at night.

As of March 2015, bear canisters are required for dispersed camping in Shining Rock Wilderness. We will assess who can share canister space.

85N to 985N

Continue onto US-23N/US-441 into NC (~92mi)

Use the right lane to merge onto US-23 N/US-74 E/Great Smoky Mountains Expy via ramp toward Waynesville/Asheville (17.2mi)

Take Exit 98 for US-23 BUS toward W Waynesville (0.2mi)

Turn right at US-23 BUS N/Hyatt Creek Rd (0.2mi)

Turn left at S Main St to continue on US-23 BUS N (1.8mi)

Turn right onto Legion Dr (0.3mi)

Turn right at US-276 S/Pigeon St and continue to follow US-276 S (17.9mi)

Destination will be on the right - Big East Fork Pisgah

Note:  The trip leader may contact you to determine your fitness level and prior backpacking experience. The trip leader reserves the right to remove anyone from the list who they feel cannot handle this trip.