bwgride
03-29-2009, 01:01
Hi -- I'm taking my 10 year old son hiking/camping in the Shining Rock area sometime in April and would like suggestions for sites to visit. As a 10 year old boy, he will certainly be interested in any "cool" natural features, such as creeks, rock outcroppings, mountain tops, etc.
We will probably be in the area for 3 or 4 days depending upon his interest and weather. We've been practicing hiking with loaded packs and I anticipate that with frequent sightseeing, recreation, and food stops, we can hike 4 to 5 miles a day if the trails are in good shape, otherwise maybe half that.
However, this trip will emphasize more camping than hiking, so we probably will stay within 4 or 5 mile range of the parking area.
With this information in mind, what areas would you suggest to see or camp? My tentative plans follows:
1. Day 1 arrive late afternoon at road 816, park, and maybe camp near parking lot. Perhaps head up toward Black Balsam Knob or down toward Flat Laurel Creek? Looking for something ~1 mile distance.
2. Day 2 perhaps hike to and camp at Sam Knob?
3. Day 3 - suggestions?
4. Day 4 short hike parking lot and depart.
We will probably be in the area for 3 or 4 days depending upon his interest and weather. We've been practicing hiking with loaded packs and I anticipate that with frequent sightseeing, recreation, and food stops, we can hike 4 to 5 miles a day if the trails are in good shape, otherwise maybe half that.
However, this trip will emphasize more camping than hiking, so we probably will stay within 4 or 5 mile range of the parking area.
With this information in mind, what areas would you suggest to see or camp? My tentative plans follows:
1. Day 1 arrive late afternoon at road 816, park, and maybe camp near parking lot. Perhaps head up toward Black Balsam Knob or down toward Flat Laurel Creek? Looking for something ~1 mile distance.
2. Day 2 perhaps hike to and camp at Sam Knob?
3. Day 3 - suggestions?
4. Day 4 short hike parking lot and depart.