15
BACKPACKING ADVENTURES
Art Loeb Trail (Shining Rock Wilderness): With just over 30 miles
of incredible hiking, the Art Loeb Trail is renowned as one of the most beautiful and
difficult hikes of its length in the state.The challenging trail takes on the peaks and ridges
in the rugged mountains between Brevard and Candler as it crosses over the Blue Ridge
Parkway and a series of 6,000+ foot peaks while offering a bounty of astounding longrange views. While the trail officially begins near the Davidson River valley before heading
up along some of the highest peaks in the area – including the unique Shining Rock
and the peak of the infamous Cold Mountain, we recommend starting at the Daniel
Boone Scout Camp as it provides quicker access to the Shining Rock Wilderness, the
true highlight of the trail. The trail is best experienced as an extended backpacking trip
with three days of hiking and two overnight camps, but fast hikers and runners have
been known to tick this one off in one or two days. Directions from Asheville:
Take I-240 W/US-70 W. and keep right at the fork to continue on I-240 W/I-26 E. Follow
signs for Interstate 240 W/Interstate 26 E/Interstate 40. Take exit 31B to merge onto I-40 W
towardCanton/Knoxville. Take exit 37 toward E Canton. Turn left onto Wiggins Rd. Turn right
onto US-19 S/US-23 S. Follow NC-110 S/Pisgah Dr and NC-215 S to Little East Fork Rd and
park just past the entrance to the Daniel Boone Boy Scout Camp at the trailhead.
Overnight On Roan Mountain: The
Appalachian Trail, the nation’s longest marked
footpath at 2,178 miles, has numerous access points
near Asheville. We like the rugged Roan Mountain
section near Bakersville. From the Carver’s Gap
(5,500 feet) parking area we recommend heading
northeast towards the Grassy Ridge section
which includes the longest stretch of grassy bald
in the Appalachian Mountains. Don’t forget to
take your camera! Some of the best landscapes
for pictures on the Appalachian Trail can be found
along this part of the trail. This section is great for
an overnighter because it includes the AT’s highest
shelter, Roan High Knob Shelter at 6,275 feet,
which is approx. 1.5 miles from the parking area.
Directions from Asheville: Take I-26 W to
exit 9/US-19 N. Stay on US-19, which becomes US-19
E in Yancey County, to Spruce Pine. Take left on NC
226 N. Head 11 miles through downtown Bakersville.
Then 226 becomes NC 261 N. Head 12 miles to
NC/TN state line to Carver’s Gap parking area.
Black Mountain Crest Trail: In just 4.5
miles, Deep Gap Trail, which is a short, but difficult
section of the infamous Black Mountain Crest
Trail, crosses four 6,000-foot peaks while taking
hikers across rocky out croppings and through
spruce-fir forests. While this is a rugged trail that
makes hikers work for their views of the rolling
Blue Ridge Mountains, the views from the peaks
of Mt. Craig, Big Tom, Cattail Peak and Potato Hill
are among the best in the East. Campers should
consider getting an early start to make it to Deep
Gap in order to grab a tent site at the popular
National Forest campsite. The full 11-mile hike
crosses 10 peaks over 6,000 feet and is a great
option for those willing to coordinate a shuttle.
Directions from Asheville: Head north
on the Blue Ridge Parkway to milepost 388 to the
entrance of Mt. Mitchell State Park. The trail starts
near the picnic area.
Explore Max Patch On The AT: For
those in great hiking shape who want H