Copyright © 2010 - N2 Ventures, Inc.  All Rights Reserved

Affiliates And Sponsors

Dog Hikes
Guided Hikes
My Hikes
Your Hikes
Long Trails
Trail Favorites
Trail Books
Trail Gear
Trail Hikers
Trail Maps
Trail Photos
Trail Tales
Trail Talk
Site Agreement
Site Contacts
Site FAQ
Site Feedback
Site Links
Site Outfitter
Site Sponsors

Special Offers:

REI-Outlet 60% off or more on Top Brands!

Altrec.com Deal of The Day: 20-50% Off One Product, for One Day, Everyday

Rocky Mountain Trail Clearance Sale: The North Face, JanSport, Dakine & more: Save up to 60%!

SHINING ROCK (VIA USFS 816 @ INVESTOR GAP)

LOCATION:  Western North Carolina
HIKE STARTS:  USFS 816 (Investor Gap)
HIKE ENDS:  USFS 816 (Investor Gap)
TOTAL DISTANCE:  6.7 Miles
HIKE TYPE:  In and Out, Backtrack Hike
HIKE DIFFICULTY:  Moderate to Difficult
TRAILS USED:  Investor Gap Trail
TRAIL TRAFFIC:  Heavy
TRIP TYPE:  Day or Overnight Hike
MANAGEMENT:  Pisgah National Forest

HIGHLIGHTS:  The Shining Rock Wilderness is a series of high elevation ridges with spectacular views in the Pisgah National Forest. Five peaks in the area are over 6000 feet including Cold Mountain (6,030 feet) and Black Balsam Knob (6,214 feet). However, the wilderness is named for Shining Rock (5,940 feet) which is a summit of white quartz located in the middle of the forest. The views from here are impressive (although not as drastic as other mountains in the area), and Shining Rock is a central hub for most of the backcountry trails in the wilderness. This hike starts at the lower parking area off USFS 816 and follows the Investor Gap Trail into the Shining Rock Wilderness to the jagged rock outcropping that bears its name.

North Carolina Hiking TrailsNorth Carolina Hiking Trails, 4th North Carolina Road Atlas  North Carolina Atlas and Gazetteer

MORE DETAILS

bullet click to see trail photos from this hike:  October 28, 2000
bullet click to view a detailed trip report:  October 28, 2000 (password required)
bullet click to view maps:  area map, detailed map (password required), profile map
bulletclick for the Southeastern Destinations discussion forum
bulletclick to access the guidebook North Carolina Hiking Trails which has details on this destination
bulletclick for other North Carolina hiking and backpacking books
bulletclick for other hikes in the Shining Rock Wilderness of the Pisgah National Forest
bulletclick here to add your hike, trip report, or feedback for this destination 

Although every attempt is made to provide the most accurate data possible, weather and trail conditions can vary without notice and these changes may not be reflected at n2backpacking.com.  Therefore, the use of any information provided by N2 Ventures, Inc. is entirely at the viewers own risk.  Please read the User Agreement for more details and to understand the Terms of Use for this website.