VVS - Shining Creek, Art Loeb, Grassy Cove Top, Greasy Cove, Big East Fork

Meet at the Shining Creek path parking lot off of Highway 276 at 9:15am. Our hike will begin at 9:30am.

We will ascend Shining Creek Path that follows Shining Creek that features many wonderful cascade falls. Shining Creek path represents most of our elevation gain for this hike. Once we meet the Art Loeb, we will turn left to ascend Grassy Cove Top with a top elevation of 6050'. If the weather cooperates, we will eat lunch on Grassy Cove Top. We then descend to meet the Greasy Cove Trail. This trail features cool grassy, Rhododendron tunnels and deep forest areas. Near the bottom of the Greasy Cove Trail, we will cross the Greasy Cove Prong and then the Big East Fork (Yellowstone Prong). Depending on water levels your feet may get wet. Crossing the Big East Fork involves scaling a 15-foot, steep bank. Although a technical challenge, focus and patience should allow a successful crossing. The Big East Fork follows the Big East Fork River which before Tropical Storm Fred was a true beauty. The beauty still exists yet the trail features several blow downs and washouts. There are several areas where the trail will take us down to the riverbed. Once at our cars we can venture to Oscar Blues for drinks and food.

This hike, incredibly beautiful (one of my favorites) is challenging technically. Focus on proper foot placement is required for the trail features many rocks, roots, and creek crossings. You may want to bring a long sleeve shirt. The ascent up Grassy Cove Top as well as several top sections of the Greasy Cove Trail is narrow with thick bush growth pressing in on each side of the trail.

This hike is deep within the Shining Rock Wilderness area. This Wilderness only allows a maximum of 10 hikers per group.

If you have not hiked with me the past you must contact me to discuss your previous hiking experiences. I will inquire of distance and elevation gains per your very recent hikes. You can reach me at cliff@argylemultimedia.com.

Please use the comment section below to organize carpools. Shining Creek Path Parking Lot: https://maps.app.goo.gl/gZHP3tr2TPfq8hfb8

Mileage: 13.5
Elevation Gain: 3200'

P.S.: post pre-hike comments. I pre-hiked this hike on Thursday, May 22. The combination of storms named Fred and Helene continue to alter this hike in challenging ways especially on the Big East Fork Trail. Crossing The Big East Fork/Yellowstone Prong has drastically changed. The former crossing, as challenging as it was, is no longer available. The safest way now to cross is to actually plan on and allow your feet to get wet. To attempt to do otherwise could result in injury. Please bring hiking poles. Hiking poles will greatly assist your crossing. You can choose a safer crossing where the water flow will reach your knees (depending on water levels) and walking through smaller, more stable stones on the bottom of the river. Or a slightly riskier crossing where the water flow will be above ankle though along the edge of a drop off of 3 feet. Once across the bank will require a hands-free climb up a 15-foot steep bank. Grasping roots and branches will aid your scamper up. A hiking friend (me) will remain near the top to temporarily take your hiking poles to free your hands as you climb up the bank.

The Big East Fork Trail has suffered additional changes of washouts from Helene. Steep descents and ascents are common as the trail dips to the riverbed. On one section an epic washout requires climbing up a steep user trail to bypass the washout.

The entire hike is full of stream crossings (one using a thick, wide, downed tree on Shining Creek Path), along with a plethora of rocks and roots, and thick, boot stealing mud. On the Big East Fork there are sections of the trail that are right on the edge of several 20 to 50' vertical drop offs to the riverbed. Focus is paramount.

Long sleeve shirts are required at times. Blue berry and black berry bush will have increased by the time June 14 arrives. They will cut your arms well.

This hike is epically adventurous and incredibly beautiful. Very doable with patience, care, and focus. This hike is VVS in every sense of the phrase. If you choose to accept this challenge (cue Mission Impossible music) you will have much to reflect upon as we gather at Oscar Blues and share many tales of accomplishment. Once home along with some ibuprofen a deep sleep will grant you a well-deserved rest.

Check out our website for hike leader info, club news, stewardship and more information about GNHA.

https://www.greenvillehiking.com/
Follow us on:
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/289785994852020/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/greenvillehiking
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gnhahiking/