What we’re about
This group is for anyone interested in backpacking. ALL skills levels are WELCOME. This group is primarily overnight/multi-day backpacking adventures... with possibly some social gathering for members throughout the year \
\
. . \
. We want everyone who attends our Meetup trips to have a great time! Of course, being sore will inevitably be part of it sometimes ;). So, to help ensure this, there are a couple “ground rules” to follow. \
. . \
. - No drugs permitted on group trips. If anyone is found using these, they will be removed from the group. \
. . \
- Act responsibly/Safety first. Do not put yourself, or others in danger while on group outings. \
. . \
- Be respectful/Courteous. Everyone has different skill levels and/or methods. We all have lots to learn from, and teach others. We can do this in a polite, respectful manner. Acting in a belligerent way towards others will not be tolerated. \
. . \
- Know your capability. Please do not sign up to attend trips that are outside your capability. While we only truly grow when we push ourselves past our “comfort zone”, you should understand which trips you can confidently push yourself to handle, and which ones you should pass on until another time...
- Use and keep your RSVP current. Some trips have a size limit. If you sign up for a trip and for whatever reason cannot make it, please update your RSVP so people on the waitlist can join/attend. No shows on trips may not affect you, but they affect the group, so please keep your RSVP’s current.
There will be trips through out the year of various intensities for different skill levels. The host will give a brief description of each trip and the level of intensity.
ADVANCED/STRENUOUS Trips: These more advanced trips will typically require the host speaking with each of you about the demands of the route.
Let's Have Fun ! So grab your gear, sign up, and let’s hit the trail !!
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Overnight Backpacking: Daniel Boone Camp Shining Rock Loop3647 Little East Fork Rd, Canton, NC
About
Join us on a backpacking loop journey from Camp Daniel Boone to Shining Rock Gap via the renowned Art Loeb Trail and Little East Fork trail. This trip offers an exhilarating adventure through the rugged beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains.Shining Rock is a distinctive quartz outcrop located in the Appalachian Mountains of North Carolina, USA. Its name comes from the way sunlight reflects off the quartz, giving it a "shining" appearance. The rock itself is a prominent feature in the landscape and is visible from various vantage points in the surrounding area.
Shining Rock Wilderness is a designated wilderness area within the Pisgah National Forest in North Carolina, encompassing roughly 18,500 acres. It's renowned for its rugged beauty, diverse ecosystems, and abundant recreational opportunities. The wilderness is characterized by its high elevation, dense forests, cascading streams, and of course, the iconic Shining Rock.
Technical Details
- Difficulty: This is a difficult hike because of the 3300+ elevation gain on the first day.
- Total miles: 12+ miles
- Total ascent: 3,500 ft
- Total descent 3,500 ft
- First Day: 6.4 miles, 3300 ft ascent, 900 ft descent, 3-4 hours
- Second Day: 5.5 miles, 3-4 hours
- Campsite: Shining Rock Gap Campsite Elev 5790 ft, GPS (35.36435, -82.86352), up on the hill if it is available .
- Trails: Art Loeb, Little East Fork Trail
- Route: Here is the complete trip Route in Gaia
- Route to Shining Rock: The route to the rock can be a little confusing because of all the rhododendron and mountain laurel. Here is a route from the campsite to Shining Rock
Additional - Important!
- Experience: Please refrain from joining if you're new to backpacking. This expedition demands experienced hikers, preferably with a track record of challenging treks, or at least someone in the group who can vouch for your capabilities. There are other trips and groups on meetup that are better suited for gaining the experience you need.
- Hiking Precautions: Hiking in groups is recommended for safety. Be sure to be familiar with the trails and capable of navigating independently in case of separation.
- Bear Safety: Bear cans are required for storing food. Make sure to follow proper bear safety protocols to prevent any unwanted encounters. Additionally, using odor-proof bags can reduce the risk of attracting animals.
- Water Availability: There should be an active spring GPS (35.36252, -82.86407). There is limited water hiking in the first day so it would be a good idea to have 2 liters starting out. There may be water at a stream around 2.8 miles in.
Day 1: Camp Daniel Boone to Shining Rock Gap via Art Loeb Trail
- Start hiking the Art Loeb trail at 9:00 AM.
- Follow the iconic Art Loeb Trail, meandering through lush forests and over rocky ridges, providing stunning vistas along the way.
- For those seeking an extra challenge and breathtaking views, consider taking the optional detour to ascend Cold Mountain, ensuring you stay on designated trails to protect fragile ecosystems. Then return back to the Art Loeb trail. Here is the route
- Continue along the Art Loeb Trail until reaching the captivating Shining Rock Gap, where shimmering quartz outcroppings adorn the landscape.
- Set up camp at Shining Rock Gap, adhering to Leave No Trace principles and using bear cans to store food and scented items, minimizing the risk of wildlife encounters.
Day 2: Shining Rock Gap to Camp Daniel Boone via Little East Fork Trail
- Wake up to the tranquility of the wilderness and enjoy breakfast before breaking camp and preparing for the return journey.
- Descend along the Little East Fork Trail, immersing yourself in the serene beauty of the forest and its babbling streams.
- Stay vigilant for wildlife encounters and be mindful of proper waste disposal to preserve the pristine environment.
- Arrive back at Camp Daniel Boone, concluding your backpacking adventure with a sense of accomplishment and a deeper connection to nature.
- Arrive back at cars around 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM.
- Memorial Day - 2 night, 23 miles on MST - NC 181 to Beacon HeightsBeacon Heights Parking Lot, Linville, NC
Join us for this Memorial Day holiday weekend backpacking trip on the Mountains-to-Sea trail from NC 181 to Beacon Heights Parking area on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
This point to point hike is rated moderate to difficult with several possibly knee deep water crossings.
Length: ~ 23 miles
Estimated total ascent: 4,805
Estimated total descent: 3,500
Well behaved dogs welcome.Start and end point Google Map links and shuttle details below.
Day 1: Meet at the end point at 10:30AM
Shuttle to the start point
Start hiking around 11 AMWe’ll follow the MST (white circle blaze) for about 7.6 miles along the Greentown and Raider Camp sections.
Along the way we’ll pass through mature forest with magnificent oaks and get a panoramic view of the mountains to the north including Grandmother and Grandfather mountains. Optionally, a quick quarter mile detour off our main route will afford a dramatic view of the box canyon below and the 250ft South Harper Creek Falls.
Day 2: Hike 7.1 miles to a large camp area near water. There will be several potentially knee deep creek crossings on this day. Lots of beautiful creeks and waterfalls!
Day 3: Hike 8.2 miles to Beacon Heights parking area. We'll also have some creek crossings on the way out. Expect some steep climbing but some amazing views on this day.
Start point: https://maps.app.goo.gl/RscFFdAaXZeMqP5d7
End point: https://maps.app.goo.gl/f7mhrGN36KRRFU1y7Shuttle: The shuttle between start and end is about 25 minutes. We'll need 2 volunteers to shuttle the group to the start on Saturday morning, and at least 1 person to shuttle those drivers back to their vehicles from the end point when we return on Monday.
Disclaimers:
- Hike organizers are in no way responsible for you, your health, or safety. By attending this event you acknowledge that the organizers assume no liability for you or your gear.
- Know your abilities. This is a moderate to difficult hike, with some strenuous sections.
- We do not wait at trail intersections and there are many. Be prepared by having a map (or map app) and studying the route. We recommend the FarOut app for navigating this trip. https://faroutguides.com/mountains-to-sea-trail/
