This Wilderness In North Carolina's Blue Ridge Mountains Is Ideal For A Scenic Backpacking Trip

If you're looking for a truly unforgettable backpacking trip in North Carolina's Blue Ridge Mountains, you'll want to head to the protected area of Shining Rock Wilderness. Tucked away in Pisgah National Forest, this stunning spot is actually the largest wilderness area in all of North Carolina. Covering over 18,000 acres, the biodiversity here is spectacular, and it is truly the place to be for wildlife encounters, sunset and sunrise vistas, and breathtaking views of the Appalachian mountains.

Follow the Blue Ridge Parkway to the maker's mecca of Asheville, a culturally rich town located less than an hour drive from Shining Rock. Home to Asheville Regional Airport, many visitors looking to explore everything the Blue Ridge Mountains have to offer typically fly into here if they're visiting from a little further afield. From there, it's a fairly direct route to the wilderness area, with plenty of exciting hiking trails along the way.

Considered to be one of the most scenic day hikes to do in summer, the Art Loeb Trail takes just over four hours to complete, bringing hikers through the Shining Rock Wilderness Area. It is a true hidden gem, filled with gorgeous scenery, plenty of stunning wildflowers, and challenging terrain. Of course, panoramic views from the peak of Shining Rock are the true highlight!

The Shining Creek-Old Butt Knob Loop Trail is another great choice for those who love hiking. It is a picturesque loop trail with cascading waterfalls, quaint streams, and jaw-dropping views. If you plan on taking on this route, though, it's worth mentioning that it can be challenging due to the steep climbs and slippery sections. Not only that, but some of the trail junctions are difficult to recognise due to the lack of signposting in the wilderness area.

No matter what hiking style you enjoy, there are plenty of great options to uncover in and around the Shining Rock Wilderness area. For an intense, multi-day hike, the Art Loeb North to South trail is a great choice, taking up to 17 hours to complete. Those looking for something short and sweet can enjoy the Big East Fork trail, which lasts less than 3 hours.

Before heading off to Shining Rock Wilderness Area, there are some key things all visitors should be aware of. As it is a federally designated wilderness area, all signs of human presence are minimized by law. This means that trails are not sign posted and are maintained at a low level, which can make them dangerous.

One of the perks of this being a designated wilderness area, though, is that dispersed camping is allowed, but groups must never be more than 10 people. There are no toilet facilities or water in the wilderness, and campfires are not permitted, which can make staying there difficult. If you wish to have a designated campsite to stay at, the closest one is Sunburst Campsite.

For those looking to explore the area a little more during their stay, a timeless North Carolina town with a storied past is hidden in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Located just over a 1 hour drive from Shining Rock, the quaint little town of Franklin is home to a great selection of hotels and stays if you're looking to rest somewhere indoors!