Shining Rock Wilderness - Shining Rock (via USFS 816 at Investor Gap) 10-00D

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 Trails, 4th

North Carolina Atlas and Gazetteer

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SHINING ROCK (VIA USFS 816 @ INVESTOR GAP)

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