Shining Rock Wilderness
Designated as a Wilderness Area in September of 1964, Shining Rock encompasses over 18,000 acres. This area has elevations varying from 3300 to over 6,000 feet, lies on the north slope of the Pisgah Ledge, a northeasterly extension of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and gets its name from the white quartz outcropping near the crest of the Shining Rock Mountain.
At a Glance
Operational Hours: | 24 Hours |
---|---|
Reservations: | None |
Fees: | None |
Restrictions: | NOTE: This trail is in a federally designated wilderness area, which by law is managed to minimize evidence of human presence. Consequently, trails are neither signed nor blazed, and are maintained at a low level that results in their treads being difficult or impossible to see at times. An accurate map, compass, and the ability to use both are mandatory for travel in a wilderness area. Additionally, in the Shining Rock and Middle Prong Wilderness Areas, campfires are not allowed, groups may not be larger than ten people at any time, and bicycles are not allowed in the wilderness areas. |
Operated By: | US Forest Service |
General Information
Directions:Shining Rock WA, the older, more well-known, and popular of the District’s two, is north of the Blue Ridge Parkway, and encompasses most of the district’s land between US 276 on the east and NC 215 to the west (excluding the Graveyard Fields area, which is not within the wilderness).
General Notes:
Pisgah Ranger District
1600 Pisgah Highway
Pisgah Forest, NC 28768
(828) 877-3265
Activities
Dispersed Camping
Recreation areas with activity Dispersed Camping:NOTE: This is a federally designated wilderness area, which by law is managed to minimize evidence of human presence. Consequently, trails are neither signed nor blazed, and are maintained at a low level that results in their treads being difficult or impossible to see at times. An accurate map, compass, and the ability to use both are mandatory for travel in a wilderness area. Additionally, in the Shining Rock and Middle Prong Wilderness Areas, campfires are not allowed, groups may not be larger than ten people at any time, and bicycles are not allowed in the wilderness areas. Bear canisters for food are required.
Day Hiking
Recreation areas with activity Day Hiking:- Big East Fork 357 Shining Rock Wilderness
- Big East Fork Trail #357
- Bridges Camp Gap Trail #607
- Cold Mountain Trail #141
- Fork Mountain Trail #109
- Greasy Cove Trail #362
- Little East Fork Trail #107
- Old Butt Knob Trail #332
- Shining Creek Trail #363
Alerts & Warnings
- Hurricane Helene: Pisgah National Forest Closures
- Pisgah Ranger District Phone Lines
- Uwharrie Ranger District- Kings Mountain Point Fishing Pier Closure
- Pisgah Ranger District- Catheys Creek Road Closure
- Dogs Must be Leashed in Bent Creek
- Roan Mountain Recreation Area CLOSED For 2024 Season
- Avery Creek Rd closed due to storm damages