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Shining Rock via Shining Creek Trail

Canton, North Carolina

4.3/5
based on 4 reviews

Details

Distance

8.69 miles

Elevation Gain

2569 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by The Outbound Collective

One of the first and most vast Wilderness Protection Areas in North Carolina. Access to water at high elevation points and unique rock formations. Epic view of Western North Carolina's mountains. ~3.4 mile hike one-way with 2,200 feet of elevation gain. Spacious old growth campsites with perfect hammocking trees!!!

There are several ways to access the Shining Rock Wilderness Area, but go for the main trail head off of Hwy 276. The trail is split by the Pigeon River, providing a seemingly infinite combinations of trails and routes, keeping in mind that this area intersects often with the well known Art Lobe trail. We like to go on two night trips, spending the first night at the base of the mountain playing in the river and ascending its peak the following day.

To summit Shining Rock, take the trail (Shining Creek Trail according to your map) on the right hand of the Pigeon River. After about a half mile, follow the distinct yet unmarked and uphill trail on the right. This is where your journey begins! The hike to the top is only 3.4 miles, but with over 2,200 feet of elevation gain, it takes a few hours. These hours will be filled with stream crossings, mini waterfalls, funny little mushrooms, stunning fern forests, wild berries and old old trees.

Watch your step, because as you get closer to the top, the trail becomes almost completely made of tree roots. One of the advantages to this trail is that the Pigeon River drains from this area, so with average rainfall, there's several water access points along the way--even as you near the top. Take your time as you climb (which won't be too much of a problem, this trail is difficult!) because this bewitching forest has a lot of history to offer.

As you summit the top, sunset is probably nearing. (The hike up takes an average of three to five hours,depending on your speed.) You'll notice dozens and dozens of crystal quartz outcrops--of all different sizes--sprinkled everywhere along the top of the mountain. One of them being well over two stories tall, this is where you sit and watch the sun set over the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Afterwards, retire to one of the campsites tucked back into clusters of old growth mountain laurels and get ready for dinner. You can't have fires in this area, but hey you're pretty tired at this point just use your stove. Hang up your hammock, layer up and listen to the breeze rush through the trees along the ridge line and find the Milky Way.

**Please remember that Shining Rock is a wild place and has a healthy black bear population. There is a bear canister requirement here because of the amount of aggressive bears and the lack of tall trees to hang food from. Also be aware of the group size limit of 10 people as well as the fire ban.**


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Features

Camping
Photography
Backpacking
Hiking
Dog Friendly
Easy Parking
Forest
River
Scenic
Waterfall
Wildflowers
Wildlife
Swimming Hole

Shining Rock via Shining Creek Trail Reviews

One of my favorites in the area! Starting at the Big East Fork trailhead you will follow the rivers beautiful clear waters and see multiple waterfalls as you make the climb up. Once you gain elevation, you'll be exposed to high altitude grassy balds with 360 degree views. You'll want to frolic through the exposed knobs and picnic for hours. Toughest part is making the climb up to graveyard fields or shining rock. Once you get there (4ish miles) the trails level out and the views outweigh any muscle soreness. We did a round-trip (18 miles ) in one day! So worth it! See a diversity of ecosystems: rhododendron tunnels, river beds, and exposed grassy balds. Started at graveyard fields parking, took the graveyard fields ridge to investor gap and caught the art loeb trail towards shining rock. After flower knob we headed down to the big east fork parking (major downhill) and caught the other big east fork trail back up to graveyard fields. Took 7 hours. Grabbed a beer at The Hub in Brevard on our way out! Perfect way to end the trip!

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Hike Big East Fork Shining Rock Loop

Skinny Dip Falls

Climb Fryingpan Mountain Lookout Tower

Graveyard Fields-Black Balsam Knob Circuit

Explore Lower Falls at Graveyard Fields

Cool Off at Sliding Rock Falls