View Full Version : A Good 2 Night 20 Mile Loop in NC
NCYankee
12-30-2008, 10:05
I have convinced my wife to go for a 2 night hike to see how she will enjoy cold weather... She put the mile restriction on it, though.
Does anyone have a recomendation for a 2 night hike in NC that could be looped and include the AT?
Probably my favorite loop is the Standing Indian loop, west of Franklin. There are some longish threads on Whiteblaze giving directions and information about it. There are three shelters along the way, a number of other possible campsites, and lots of water sources. Albert Mountain and Standing Indian Mountain offer excellent views.
Other than that, almost any loop in the Smokies would be fantastic.
Both Standing Indian and any loop in the Smokies would involve a bunch of elevation gain and loss. Being in decent physical shape is a requirement for enjoying those hikes.
bigcranky
12-30-2008, 10:28
I'll second the Standing Indian suggestion. Great loop hike, about 23 miles, and there are plenty of places to bail out if you need to.
NCYankee
12-30-2008, 10:58
Probably my favorite loop is the Standing Indian loop, west of Franklin. There are some longish threads on Whiteblaze giving directions and information about it.
Great! Thank you, I am going to go ahead and check that out now.
Marta, have you hiked the Art Loeb trail? If so, I was curious if you spent 3 or 4 days on it. I was thinking about soloing that once it warms up a bit.
humunuku
12-30-2008, 13:39
Great! Thank you, I am going to go ahead and check that out now.
Marta, have you hiked the Art Loeb trail? If so, I was curious if you spent 3 or 4 days on it. I was thinking about soloing that once it warms up a bit.
I ain't Marta but, I have done the Art Loeb. If i do it again I would do it with a minimum of 3 FULL days. ( I did it last year in 2 and 1/4 days would have had a better time if i had some more time)
I have convinced my wife to go for a 2 night hike to see how she will enjoy cold weather... She put the mile restriction on it, though.
Does anyone have a recomendation for a 2 night hike in NC that could be looped and include the AT?
I know you said NC, but if that is because of the mileage, you might consider going to Grayson HS Park in VA. 2.5 hrs, 134 mi. You could probably do it a bit quicker. Secure parking for a fee, and a lot of options.
A suggested route of ~ 18 mi. Massie Gap to the AT; S on AT to Thomas Knob S for first night. This is only 3 mi but you could explore Wilburn Ridge and climb MT Rogers.
2nd day: Continue on AT to near Deep Gap and turn onto Mt. Rogers trail and follow until you intersect the Lewis Fork trail. Follow to the AT and turn RT, AT south, and shortly come to Old Orchard shelter at six miles for the day. Good Camping here.
3rd day: Continue S on AT to Massie Gap and to Parking - 9+ mi for the day. A shortcut is along Pine Mountain to Rhododendron Gap and then N on AT to Massie, which would cut off 3 mi.
This loop could be done in the oppposite direction. You should take a map. The AT guide for SW VA has an andequate map (or did have; mine is old) This would also show you other possibilities. it can be busy even at this time of year.
I haven't hiked the Art Loeb yet. Some friends and I are planning to do it this year, not sure when. We're thinking it'll take us three days, to allow for the drive time on either end.