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SHINING ROCK
LOCATION:  Western North Carolina
HIKE STARTS:  USFS 816 (Black Balsam)
HIKE ENDS:  USFS 816 (Black Balsam)
TOTAL DISTANCE:  ~9.2 Miles
HIKE TYPE:  Roundtrip, Loop Hike
HIKE DIFFICULTY:  Moderate to Difficult
TRAILS USED:  Art Loeb, Investor Gap Trails
TRAIL TRAFFIC:  Heavy
TRIP TYPE:  Day or Overnight Hike
MANAGEMENT:  Pisgah National Forest

HIGHLIGHTS:  The Shining Rock Wilderness is a series of high elevation ridges with spectacular views in the Pisgah National Forest. Five peaks in the area are over 6000 feet including Cold Mountain (6,030 feet) and Black Balsam Knob (6,214 feet). However, the wilderness is named for Shining Rock (5,940 feet) which is a summit of white quartz located in the middle of the forest. The views from here are impressive (although not as drastic as other mountains in the area), and Shining Rock is a central hub for most of the backcountry trails in the wilderness. This hike starts at USFS 816 and follows the Art Loeb Trail over Black Balsalm Knob and Tennent Mountain where there are outstanding views in all directions. It then drops to the Investor Gap Trail and climbs gradually to Shining Rock.

MORE DETAILS

bullet click to see trail photos from this hike:  October 17, 1999
bullet click to view a detailed trip report:  October 17, 1999 (password required)
bullet click to view maps:  area map, detailed map (password required), profile map
bulletclick for the Southeastern Destinations discussion forum
bulletclick to access the guidebook North Carolina Hiking Trails which has details on this destination
bulletclick for other North Carolina hiking and backpacking books
bulletclick for other hikes in the Shining Rock Wilderness of the Pisgah National Forest
bulletclick here to add your hike, trip report, or feedback for this destination 


 
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