Anyone familiar with Loft Mountain Campground in the SNP as a base for some day hikes and possible overnighters in June for moderate hiking?
Suggestions for other locations in the general area welcome, too.
Thanks!
Anyone familiar with Loft Mountain Campground in the SNP as a base for some day hikes and possible overnighters in June for moderate hiking?
Suggestions for other locations in the general area welcome, too.
Thanks!
I couldn't tell you about hiking, but a few years back I spent a night there on a bicycle tour. I saw the biggest bear I have ever seen sunning itself on the Skyline Drive. It stretched nearly all the way across an entire lane. At the campground a deer eat through and nearly destroyed pannier bag.
"Too often I would hear men boast of the miles covered that day, rarely of what they had seen." Louis L’Amour
When I hiked all of the AT in SNP via day hikes, I usually base-camped at Lewis Mountain campground. It's the smallest of the Park's 4 campgrounds and thus quieter. It's reasonably central to the Park's Central and South Districts.
I suggest contacting the PATC for their guide on circuit hikes in SNP.
The Doyles River/Jones Run Trail(s) goes past three nice waterfalls and combines with the AT for a nice loop, maybe 9 miles or so. Considered one of the best hikes in SNP. From Loft Mountain head south, Doyle River Trail splits to the left turns and parallels the AT a good ways down from the ridge, turns into the Jones Run Trail, and then climbs back up and rejoins the AT about maybe 4 miles south. From there make a right and head north on the AT back to Loft Mountain. Approximately 9 miles with some pretty good downs and then ups. Agree strongly with getting a book and map on hikes in the area. Lots of trails to make great loop hikes with from Loft Mountain and from other campgrounds.
The SNP website has quite a few loop hikes listed and mapped out, spread throughout the park. I'm sure at least a couple might be of interest.