VA/ NC Info

[Dvankirk]

Attached is a 26 mile loop that I do around Black Balsam every once and a while starting at Big East Fork that hits Shining Rock, Tenet, Black Balsam, and the 3 waterfalls along the parkway. There are good places to hang on the Art Loeb around Shining Rock, down near Black Balsam Rd, and some spots along the Big East Fork Trail, but no camping is allowed in the Graveyard Fields area. Bear cans are required in the Shining Rock wilderness and they are definitely around the Art Loeb & Shining rock area due to all of the tourons leaving food around, but I still hang my bag and have never had a bear get it that way. I'm usually pretty stealthy, though.

https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/map--68698?u=i

[slowhike]

Dvankirk, thanks.
Good info. I'll look into it for future use.
We have decided on a 3-night backpack, starting at Elk Garden and playing it by ear.

[SubaruWx]

When you say the water source isn’t close or convenient, are you saying it's there, just a little hike off the trail to get to it?

The water source is there, but it’s not convenient. It’s a walk from the camp along a trail that isn’t highly traveled.


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[slowhike]

Got ya.
Thanks.

[tom_tom]

I hear that’s a good rough section to hike

[slowhike]

I hear that’s a good rough section to hike

From what I remember and what others have said, it's not bad.

[tom_tom]

Ah I know every one says the art loeb area is a hard but rewarding hike

[slowhike]

Ah I know every one says the art loeb area is a hard but rewarding hike

Ahhh... I thought you were talking about Elk Garden, Mt Rogers area.

[gunner76]

If you decide to do anything along the AT or any other trail in the area from Springer to Fontana Dam let me know as I can help with a shuttle

[slowhike]

Thanks Gunner. I'll keep that in mind.
Hope all is well with you and The Terminator.