View Full Version : 3 day hike ideas in NC
spencerb
03-09-2009, 18:15
Hello all! I am itching to get into the woods and convinced someone to go backpacking with me for a trip this week. I'm looking to leave tomorrow and get back Thursday. We were trying to think up ideas of where to go and I thought I'd look to my favorite whiteblazers for some good ideas.
We are leaving from Chapel Hill, NC, and looking to not drive much more than 4 or so hours from here getting whereever in the afternoon. Hike in a bit, camp, hike, camp, hike out.
Any one have any good suggestions? It doesn't have to be AT, just a nice loop.
flemdawg1
03-09-2009, 18:23
Devils Fork Gap to Hot Springs is a nice 3-day section.
One option that is close to you is the Ridgeline Trail. It's located at Crowders Mtn State park. It connects to the 16 mile King Mtn Trail in SC. The trail is about 38 miles long with two camping areas. It's not too mountainous with fairly moderate terrain.
US19E - Mountain Harbour Bed & Breakfast (and hiker's hostel). About 4 hours from Durham/Chapel Hill. Terry (proprietor) can take you up to the top of Roan Mtn (AT). Hike north down to Carver Gap, up and over a nice bald to Overmountain shelter (old barn - very cool). Next day you can hike to US19E over some of the finest views and balds in the the Southern Appalachians. Short jaunt down the road (US19E) to your car at Mountain Harbour B&B. Parking your car there is as safe as you'll find and $2/day. This is an awesome hike!
http://www.mountainharbour.net/main.htm
theinfamousj
03-09-2009, 23:04
Not sure how many miles you want to do, but you can stretch the Uwharrie Trail Loop to three days if you do low mileage days. The Uwharrie trail is closer to you than to Chapel Hill, but it is about 1.5 hours away from the Hill. The loop is made by combining the Uwharrie Trail with the other trail that is out there. The bikers bike the loop all the time, so if you get lost, they'll tell you which way to go. (Been there, done that.)
Not really a loop, but you could do some MST.
There is the Wilson's Creek loop. The Great Outdoor Provision Co. in Eastgate Shopping Center (Chapel Hill) has the trail maps for it and is one of the few places in the area that have the trail map. They are in stock right now so even if you don't do Wilson's Creek this time, grab it anyway because you never know when you'll ever see one again. Great two-night hike. First day hike a few miles to camp. Day two do about 6 miles (straight up!!). Third day, do another 6 miles (straight down ... youchy on the knees) back to your car.
Just trying to think of some non-AT alternatives for you. I want to go hiking, too, but my spring break is in April. :(
sbennett
03-09-2009, 23:12
If you're coming from Chapel Hill roll over to Damascus or just up to the Grayson Highlands. If you go into Damascus MRO can shuttle virtually anywhere you want. Elk Garden or Massie Gap to Damascus would be a fun 3 day hike.
Hope this wasn't too late for you!
Ramble~On
03-09-2009, 23:14
:-? Shining Rock Wilderness, Pisgah National Forest.
Tennessee Viking
03-10-2009, 02:34
Mountains to Sea Trail - NC 181 to Beacon Heights (BRP) or extend it from US 221/Linville Gorge area or to Blowing Rock.
spencerb
03-10-2009, 11:14
Thanks for the great responses, yall. I'll give a trip update once I figure out where I am going. =)
booney_1
03-12-2009, 10:54
I'm from Greensboro, and I like Grayson Highlands area...BUT it can be quite cold there this time of year (it's still winter!!!). The weather has been awesome in NC this week
(but got cold today!).
When I say quite cold...I mean snow and high winds. It often snows in april up there,...
The Uwharrie would be great this time of year, and you'll have the best weather in the state. I know the forecast for the next ten days is pretty bad...rain and much cooler.
It will be miserable in the mountains...cold rain..yuc.
Go to the Uwharrie...have a big fire...eat well!
have a good trip
NCYankee
03-17-2009, 09:53
I don't know if you have already taken off on your trip but the Art Loeb trail is a solid 3 days