My friend and I are planning to go camping again Memorial day weekend. This will be our second adventure. The first was Ellicot Rock and there was a scout troop present. Can anyone suggest a good hammock friendly hiking destination within 3-4 hours of Charlotte, NC that is easy to moderate. We would like to stay away from car and rv camp areas, yet not be isolated and away from all hikers.
Any and all suggestions are welcome.
Shining Rock Wilderness has many trails and plenty of space. Images linked below show many places in the Shining Rock area without trees, nevertheless there are many good hanging spots in Shining Rock. Panthertown is another nice option with good views and waterfalls.
Shining Rock:
http://www.summitpost.org/shining-rock/154945
http://www.dwhike.com/North-Carolina...618517_UHNmB/1
Panthertown:
http://panthertown.org
http://www.getgoingnc.com/2011/02/%E...town%E2%80%99/
Grayson Highlands State Park and Mount Rogers in Southwest Virginia are world class hiking spots (with lots of other hikers around!). Maps are available at REI and other trail shops.
The AT runs thru it.
Highly recommended.
Within 3 1/2 drive hours from Charlotte NC.
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" . . . there's no easy trail to Cache Lake, for it is protected by distance, mile after forgotten mile of woods and water, and it is still clean and clear and safe from civilization." John J Rowlands from Cache Lake Country
Chattooga River trail is a good one. Close to the same area you were in before but south. The SC section can be done as an overnighter or stretch out:
http://sctrails.net/Trails/ALLTRAILS...Chattooga.html
The Linville Gorge is always good as well:
http://www.linvillegorge.net
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I'm drawn to the open country. Its where the world makes the most sense. When I put myself out there I always return with something new.
You could also check out Pisgah National Forest near Brevard NC. You could park at the hatchery and hike in / camp at Johns Rock. About a mile or so in there is a great site where we had a group hang last year. Drop gear there and hike to the top w/ a daypack.
Search the grouphangs thread for Johns Rock and you'll get detailed directions etc...
The hatchery and Davidson River are also right there and worth checking out.
Stone Mtn State Park has lots of trees and several loop trails that go up and over the mountain. The backcountry sites don't get much use so it's likely you'd have the whole place to yourself, even over the holiday weekend. Nice thing too is that it's under 2 hours from Charlotte. You can swing by there and check it out....if that doesn't work then keep heading north to Mt Rogers.
Stone Mt is a great place and you could also try Pilot Mt
I am still 18 but with 52 years of experience !
Linville Gorge is popular with folks around here, but maybe slightly out of your 4 hour range. There are several hike-in camp sites at several state parks in Raleigh-Durham area, usually no more than two miles from trail head. Otherwise, just finding state or public forest within your travel area and bushwhack a bit till you find the perfect hanging spot works as well.
*Heaven best have trees, because I plan to lounge for eternity.
Good judgement is the result of experience and experience the result of bad judgement. - Mark Twain
Trail name: Radar
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+1 I second the recommendations for both Stone Mountain and Mount Rogers. I really enjoy them both. If you've never been to Grayson Highlands/Mount Rogers then seeing the wild ponies for the first time can be a fun experience.
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Thank you all for your suggestions. The site that has our interest right now is Mt. Rogers. It looks like a lot of fun. I will keep y'all posted.
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