If you’re planning a rustic getaway to the natural beauty of Western North Carolina, you’re in for a treat! The hiking Trails in Shining Rock Wilderness Area, located in the heart of the Pisgah National Forest, are a hiker’s paradise.

This rugged and remote wilderness area boasts some of the most stunning scenery you’ll ever lay eyes on. From towering peaks, quartz boulders, cascading waterfalls, and lush forests, the Shining Rock Wilderness is a true hiker’s paradise.

The Perfect Basecamp for Your Adventures

Now, we know what you’re thinking: “That all sounds great, but where do I even begin?” Well, that’s where we come in! At Timberroot Rustic Retreats, we’ve got the perfect basecamp for your Shining Rock adventures – our cozy and rustic cabins at the Land of Falls properties.

Imagine sipping your morning coffee on the porch while taking in the fresh mountain air and then setting off on an epic hiking adventure right from your doorstep. That’s the kind of experience we strive to provide our guests – a true escape from the ordinary, where you can reconnect with nature and create lasting memories with your loved ones.

Now, let’s get to the good stuff – the hiking trails! 

Shining Rock Wilderness Loop via Art Loeb Trail

Length: 9.4 miles

Elevation Gain: 1,371 ft

Route Type: Loop

Difficulty Level: Moderate

Looking for a trail that offers a bit of everything? The Shining Rock Wilderness Loop via Art Loeb Trail is your go-to. This 9.4-mile loop takes you through diverse terrains with rocky paths, mud, and even some ice if you’re hiking in the winter months. 

The east side of the loop along Art Loeb Trail is especially breathtaking, as you’ll be hiking along a ridge between Tennent Mountain and Black Balsam Knob.

Pro Tip: Wear pants and sturdy hiking boots, and bring a light jacket. The trail can get wild and less maintained as you go along.

Cold Mountain via the Art Loeb Trail

Length: 9.9 miles

Elevation Gain: 2,834 ft

Route Type: Out & Back

Difficulty Level: Hard

Alright, thrill-seekers, this one’s for you! The hike to Cold Mountain via the Art Loeb Trail is no walk in the park, but the rewards are oh-so-sweet. At 6,030 feet, Cold Mountain is the tallest peak in the Shining Rock Wilderness, and the summit offers jaw-dropping views that will make you feel like you’re on top of the world.

This hike is a real leg-burner, with nearly 3,000 feet of elevation gain, but don’t let that scare you off. The journey is just as incredible as the destination, taking you through Appalachian forests, rhododendron tunnels, and rocky outcroppings.

Pro tip: Pack a quality topographic map, compass, and handheld GPS – this is a remote wilderness area, and you’ll want to be prepared. 

Shining Rock Mountain on the Ivestor Gap Trail

Length: 9.3 miles

Elevation Gain: 577 ft

Route Type: Out & Back

Difficulty Level: Easy

If you prefer a more laid-back hike but still want to experience the beauty of Shining Rock Wilderness, the Ivestor Gap Trail to Shining Rock Mountain is perfect. 

This 9.3-mile trail is the easiest route to the iconic, quartz-encrusted Shining Rock Mountain. You’ll hike along an old railroad grade, making the trail relatively flat and easy. The summit, with its massive white quartz boulders, offers some of the area’s most unique and stunning views.

Pro Tip: Pack plenty of snacks and water, and be prepared for changing weather conditions – this is a remote wilderness area, after all.

Flower Knob and Grassy Cove Knob via Ivestor Gap and Art Loeb

Length: 8.1 miles

Elevation Gain: 656 ft

Route Type: Loop

Difficulty Level: Moderate

If you’re in the mood for a little bit of everything, the Flower Knob and Grassy Cove Knob loop via Ivestor Gap and Art Loeb Trail is the perfect choice. This 8.1-mile loop offers a moderate challenge, with a mix of easy and more strenuous sections, ensuring you’ll never get bored.

The trail has several forks, with the west forks being a bit easier and the east forks being more challenging with inclines and rough terrain. But hey, that’s all part of the fun, right?

As you hike along this trail, keep your eyes peeled for beautiful wildflowers, stunning forest scenery, and maybe even some wildlife.

Pro tip: Some portions of the trail can be overgrown or unmarked, so it’s a good idea to download a map beforehand.

Big East Fork Trail

Length: 6.8 miles

Elevation Gain: 833 ft

Route Type: Out & Back

Difficulty Level: Hard

If you’re looking for an authentic backcountry adventure, the Big East Fork Trail is the perfect choice. This 6.8-mile out-and-back trail follows the Big East Fork of the Pigeon River, offering stunning river scenes and a remote wilderness experience.

While the trail is considered challenging, with some technical sections and river crossings, the beauty of the surroundings more than makes up for the effort. You’ll hike along pristine mountain streams, cascading waterfalls, and abundant forests teeming with wildlife.

It’s the perfect trail for those who love a little bit of excitement and aren’t afraid to get their hands (and feet) dirty.

Pro tip: Due to storm damage, some parts of the trail may be washed away or require scrambling over obstacles. It’s highly recommended to have a map or GPS handy and to exercise caution, especially after heavy rainfall.

Embrace the Adventure

So, there you have it – five incredible hiking trails in the Shining Rock Wilderness Area. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just starting out, these trails offer something for everyone!

No matter which trail you choose, one thing is certain: the Shining Rock Wilderness Area is a true hiker’s paradise, offering a chance to escape the ordinary and embrace nature’s beauty. And with Timberroot Rustic Retreats as your base camp, you’ll have the perfect home away from home to rest and recharge after your adventures!

Start exploring our cabin rentals today!