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Shining Rock Wilderness Backpacking Friday-Sunday




The Basics:
Event Type:Backpacking
Event Location: Pisgah National Forest & Shining Rock Wilderness   Backpacking: Shining Rock Wilderness Backpacking Friday-Sunday  National Weather Service Forecast
Date(s) & Time:Fri, Oct 13 2017  8:30 am >> Sun, Oct 15 2017 5:00 pm  (Carpool Departure: 8:30 am   *log in for location*)
Registration Opens: Thu, Sep 28 2017 9:00 pm
Registration Cut Off: Thu, Oct 12 2017 12:00 pm
Event Duration:2 Days 8 Hours 30 Minutes
Difficulty Rating:D4: Moderate to Difficult (Exploratory)
Distance:12 Miles
Pace:Moderate
Trip Leader(s):
Kristi
greg
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Member Cost:None

Participant Info:
Who's Invited: Members Only, 21 And Older Only
Maximum Group Size:10
Minimum Group Size:4
Number Registered So Far: 10 / 0 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)
Are Dogs Permitted: Yes

Note: This is an "EXPLORATORY" trip. This means that there are parts of this trip, or perhaps the whole trip, that is new to your Trip Leader(s). However, they are confident that this will not be an issue.
This note is here so that you can make an informed decision. When a Trip Leader isn't personally familiar with a trip, there is an increased chance of things not going as planned and you need to be prepared. The Trip Leader may have additional details in the itinerary.

Itinerary:

Adding this note - mountain weather forecast:  https://www.mountain-forecast.com/peaks/Shining-Rock/forecasts/1841 

Join us for what should be a great autumn weekend.  We will depart the carpool at 8:30 AM and drive approx 3 1/2 - 4 hrs to the parking area at the trailhead to Laural Creek Trail on NC Hwy 215.  Hike in about 3 miles along the Laurel Creek Trail and make camp somewhere close to to the creek, near the junction with the Sam Knob Trail.   After making camp and relaxing a bit, we can decide to hike up to the top of Sam Knob.  Maybe even take our dinner up there for sunset; plant on an approx 3 1/2 mile round trip to the top and back.  

On Saturday, sometime after breakfast, we can "day-hike" to Black Balsam and Tennent Mountains via Sam Knob Trail and Art Loeb Trail, where we will see magnificent open views.  We can make it a loop hike by returning on the Ivestor Gap Trail (or not).  It is a climb to the first bald followed by typical up's and down's.  The balds are at around the 6,000' height, so you may notice being affected a bit by the elevation.  We'll have lunch and take in the views somewhere along these paths.  

Hopefully the autumn colors will be in full swing.  The drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway should also be very scenic and worth making a few stops for picture taking.

Dogs are allowed but they must be able to handle the hike and behave around people and other dogs. We will also be capping it at 3 dogs for the group to keep things from getting too crazy.

Bear-proof canisters are required in the Shining Rock Wilderness areas.  Keep this in mind when signing up.  It may be possible to share a few.

Expect easy-going attitudes.  
This is not a beginner's trip.  
Camp fires may not be allowed, see: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/nfsnc/recarea/?recid=48260
If you can't make Friday, we can probably work it out to meet you on Saturday.  Trailhead coordinates:  35.325700018957946, -82.8820288181305


Required Items to Bring:

Typical backpacking gear, water filter, stove, cookset

Cold weather sleeping bag, along with pad

3 lunches, 2 dinners, 2 breakfasts, snacks

Cash for car-pool $35.00; check with your driver

Clean shoes, clothes to change into if car-pooling

Bear Canister is now required!!!!  Rental:    http://www.wild-ideas.net/

Recommended Items to Bring:
Use our Event Checklists to make sure you have everything you need.

Day pack
Camera
Laughter
Trekking poles
Sun protection (there is no shade on these balds)


How to Get There:
Event Directions:

https://tinyurl.com/yckflyaw

or

https://goo.gl/maps/HENzHaxaP4T2

Carpool to Event Distance (round trip):350Mile(s)
Carpool Departure Time: 8:30 am
Carpool Location:   Log in for location
Carpool Directions:   Log in for directions
Carpool Cost: Estimated cost per vehicle for this event is $140.00 using a reimbursement rate guideline of $0.400 per mile. The total amount should be divided by the number of people in the vehicle, including the driver. This is a guideline, not a rule, for drivers but the cost should not be higher unless there are extenuating circumstances.

Notes:
* We encourage all members to follow our Etiquette Guidelines while participating in AOC events.


Cancellation/Partial Attendance:   Please review the AOC cancellation policy.
*Note:

Please note serious chance of rain .. we may postpone it.