Shining Rock via Shining Creek Trail

There are several ways to access the Shining Rock Wilderness Area, but go for the main trail head off of Hwy 276. The trail is split by the Pigeon River, providing a seemingly infinite combinations of trails and routes, keeping in mind that this area intersects often with the well known Art Lobe trail. We like to go on two night trips, spending the first night at the base of the mountain playing in the river and ascending its peak the following day.

To summit Shining Rock, take the trail (Shining Creek Trail according to your map) on the right hand of the Pigeon River. After about a half mile, follow the distinct yet unmarked and uphill trail on the right. This is where your journey begins! The hike to the top is only 3.4 miles, but with over 2,200 feet of elevation gain, it takes a few hours. These hours will be filled with stream crossings, mini waterfalls, funny little mushrooms, stunning fern forests, wild berries and old old trees.

Watch your step, because as you get closer to the top, the trail becomes almost completely made of tree roots. One of the advantages to this trail is that the Pigeon River drains from this area, so with average rainfall, there's several water access points along the way--even as you near the top. Take your time as you climb (which won't be too much of a problem, this trail is difficult!) because this bewitching forest has a lot of history to offer.

As you summit the top, sunset is probably nearing. (The hike up takes an average of three to five hours,depending on your speed.) You'll notice dozens and dozens of crystal quartz outcrops--of all different sizes--sprinkled everywhere along the top of the mountain. One of them being well over two stories tall, this is where you sit and watch the sun set over the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Afterwards, retire to one of the campsites tucked back into clusters of old growth mountain laurels and get ready for dinner. You can't have fires in this area, but hey you're pretty tired at this point just use your stove. Hang up your hammock, layer up and listen to the breeze rush through the trees along the ridge line and find the Milky Way.

**Please remember that Shining Rock is a wild place and has a healthy black bear population. There is a bear canister requirement here because of the amount of aggressive bears and the lack of tall trees to hang food from. Also be aware of the group size limit of 10 people as well as the fire ban.**