This trek requires VERY GOOD physical conditioning for EVERY participant. The Shining Rock Wilderness trek is a four-day loop trip that can include a portion of the Art Loeb Trail through Pisgah National Forest and Shining Rock Wilderness. Our Wilderness Experts are currently revising this trek opportunity to bring new adventures to you this summer. Below is a description of key landmarks within this area, right in our back yard at Camp Daniel Boone. 

The Shining Rock Wilderness trek is a four day hike through Pisgah National Forest and Shining Rock Wilderness, with over 24,000 acres of backcountry experiences waiting for you. This area is famous for its rugged climbs and pristine views from atop the Eastern United States. Including the world-renowned Art Loed Trail, this wilderness area runs from the Davidson River across several landmark area peaks around the southern rim of the Davidson River valley, includes Pilot Mountain on the northern end of this dividing ridge, before climbing steeply to the Blue Ridge Parkway and Silvermine Bald, where it tops 6000’ in elevation. Next, the trail system crosses Black Balsam Knob where there is a plaque commemorating Art Loeb and the Art Loeb Trail. This is the most famous and most popular section of the trail, for good reason. The views and uniqueness of this section of trail are second to none!

Finally, the trails travel across the mountain balds and through the Shining Rock Wilderness past Shining Rock itself. Near Cold Mountain the trail climbs into “The Narrows” and rugged ridgeline which slowly gets smaller and smaller with memorable views to the north and south. A side trip will take you to the summit of Cold Mountain, before descending steeply to end at Camp Daniel Boone.

Crew Size 4 (minimum), 9 (max)