Little East Fork to Shining Rock and Return

About the Hike

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Hike Description

Contact the leader for a reservation. We will hike up the Little East Fork Creek Trail to Shining Rock and return. Plan on deep forest views, rushing water, and a great hiking day in the woods on this challenging hike. We will cross Little East Fork Creek midway up, but plenty of rocks provide ample coverage for the crossing. We will continue up a steep section and intersect the Art Loeb Trail and continue to our lunch spot at Shining Rock. We will return on the same trail to our cars.

Scout Report

The first 3 miles of the trail which goes along the Little East Fork is beautiful. Part of it is very close to the riverbank so we are able to hear and see the river, but it is necessary to watch your footing. Part of the trail along the river is very rocky and challenging, but Paul Dickens and his crew have worked on it and made it safe. You should bring your poles. The river crossing is an easy rock hop. The next 3 miles up the mountain is a slog, no views until we reach the trail to the Shining Rock. If we can hike at least 2 miles an hour up the mountain, we should be at our lunch spot around 1 pm. The percentage of rain has gone up and down. Right now, it is a slight chance before 2pm, showers likely after 4pm. I will make a final decision tomorrow afternoon before 6pm. Also, since part of the day looks good, we could turn around when those rain clouds show up or we hear distant thunder. Below is the information I have of where everyone plans to meet: We will be at the trailhead between 8:50am and 9am from the outlets.