SHINING ROCK (VIA INVESTOR GAP)
Location: Western North Carolina
Trip Starts: USFS 816 (Investor Gap)
Trip Ends: USFS 816 (Investor Gap)
Total Distance: 6.7 miles
Hike Type: In & Out, Backtrack Hike
Hike Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
Trails Used: Investor Gap Trail
Trail Traffic: Heavy
Trip Type: Day or Overnight Hike
More Information:
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 the lower parking area off USFS 816 and follows the Investor Gap Trail into the Shining Rock Wilderness to the jagged rock outcropping that bears its name.
Recommended:
Guidebook For This Area
Trail Map For This Area
More Details:
- click to see trail photos from this hike: October 28, 2000
- click to view a detailed trip report: October 28, 2000 (password required)
- click to view maps: area map, detailed map, profile map, Shining Rock map of intersecting trails, Shining Rock photo of intersecting trails (password required)
- click for the Southeastern Destinations discussion forum
- click to access the guidebook North Carolina Hiking Trails which has details on this destination
- click for other North Carolina hiking and backpacking books
- click for other hikes in the Shining Rock Wilderness of the Pisgah National Forest
- click here to add your hike, trip report, or feedback for this destination
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