What was supposed to be a 3 day trip in both the Middle Prong And Shining Rock Wilderness areas turned into an overnight loop in Middle Prong. Cold temps, high winds and river temp/levels convinced us to revamp our initial plan but we still had a great time.

We started near Sunburst Campground off of 215 and immediately began the grueling four mile climb straight up the Fork Ridge Trail. Camped near the intersection of the MST and Fork Ridge. The next day we took the MST to Buckeye Gap and then to Haywood Gap, finally ending on some old fire service roads and back to the car. Total trip mileage was somewhere between 12 to 14.

Some good views along the Fork Ridge Trail and a lot of great water features along Buckeye and Haywood Gap trails. Had some interesting creek crossings along the way as well...