Need Help Finding A Trail Near NC

[NCYankee]

Here is my situation.

My wife and I are looking to go away with another couple for a three day trip. We would like a trail in the 25-40 mile range that is within 3-4 hours of Charlotte, NC. Originally we were looking at the Fontana Lakes Lakeshore Trail but after reviewing the trail profile I think that might be too tough on the other couple.

Can anyone make a recommendation for a good 2 night 3 day trail that is, for lack of a better wording, easy hiking?

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

[Tennessee Viking]

Here is my situation.

My wife and I are looking to go away with another couple for a three day trip. We would like a trail in the 25-40 mile range that is within 3-4 hours of Charlotte, NC. Originally we were looking at the Fontana Lakes Lakeshore Trail but after reviewing the trail profile I think that might be too tough on the other couple.

Can anyone make a recommendation for a good 2 night 3 day trail that is, for lack of a better wording, easy hiking?

Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Should be lots. Joyce Kilmer. Art Loeb from Brevard to Waynesville, NC. Foothills Trail in SC/NC. Standing Indian Loop. Mountains to Sea Trail in NC (just be sure to know your ForestService/ParkService boundaries along the parkway). Linville Gorge & Harpers/Wilson/Upper Creek backcountry.

[JTCruiser]

Wife and I just did the Standing Indian Loop (we are both 64) in two days plus two fractions coming in and going out, three nights total--could have just as easily been three days and two nights if we'd planned it differently. Not only is this not very hard, it is beautiful right now, the views are fabulous (esp. from fire tower on Albert Mtn.) and if the other couple decides they've had it and don't want to go on, you can bail pretty easily and get back to your vehicle at Standing Indian Campground without much hassle. Have fun.

[NCYankee]

Should be lots. Joyce Kilmer. Art Loeb from Brevard to Waynesville, NC. Foothills Trail in SC/NC. Standing Indian Loop. Mountains to Sea Trail in NC (just be sure to know your ForestService/ParkService boundaries along the parkway). Linville Gorge & Harpers/Wilson/Upper Creek backcountry.


I did the Art Loeb and I think that is a little too difficult for the group we are going with. I will have to check out the Foothills information to see how that might work out.

I know this sucks trying to think of a 'flatter' trail, but essentially that is what I need for this trip.

[morgan]

The Wilson Creek Wilderness area is 2 hours from Charlotte. There are lots of loop options, great waterfalls, numerous campsites along the creeks, easy access to water, and climbs that won't kill you. A portion of the Mountain to the Sea trail runs through this area.

Maps are available at all of the major outfitters in Charlotte (REI, Great Outdoor Provision Co. & Jesse Brown's).

[jbwood5]

Wife and I just did the Standing Indian Loop (we are both 64) in two days plus two fractions coming in and going out, three nights total--could have just as easily been three days and two nights if we'd planned it differently. Not only is this not very hard, it is beautiful right now, the views are fabulous (esp. from fire tower on Albert Mtn.) and if the other couple decides they've had it and don't want to go on, you can bail pretty easily and get back to your vehicle at Standing Indian Campground without much hassle. Have fun.

It can be tough (if not impossible) to get a campsite at Standing Indian over the Memorial Day holiday weekend. We ran into that last year.

Otherwise the loop is not bad, assuming you all have some small mountain climbing experience and can hike 8-10 miles a day. The loop is about 26.5 miles using the Kimsey Creek trail to the AT. As mentioned, there are some bailout trails that go down to the campsite and potential shorter ways to go. There is only one tricky but very short climb up Albert Mtn.

[sbennett]

I think the Standing Indian Loop in pretty sweet but there are a couple decent climbs that will matter if you're looking for a flat trail. Kimsey Creek Trail is a bit uphill, Standing Indian Mtn. is a climb (but really well graded and switchbacked), and Albert Mtn. is just hard (but interesting). Here's an idea for the Smoky Mountains as it appears that you were originally considering the park anyway:

Take the Balsam Mountain Rd. to Pin Oak Gap where you'll start the Balsam Mountain Trail. Take this until you pick up the Mt. Sterling Ridge Trail, which you can take to the top of Mt. Sterling and a great campsite. The next day backtrack on the Mt. Sterling Ridge trail and hang a right on the Balsam Mountain Trail, which will take you to Tricorner Knob and it's somewhat newly renovated shelter. The next/final day, simply take the Balsam Mtn. Trail all the way back to your car.

This is really as close as you can get to a flat hike in the Smokies or many other places in the Southern Appalachains. Check the elevation profile...you'll see.

One other idea I have involves the Flat Laurel Creek Trail, and the Ivestor Gap Trail out to Shining Rock and back in the Pisgah National Forest.

The Art Loeb isn't very flat, or easy for that matter (it's just rugged), and many parts of the Foothills Trail are similar.