View Full Version : Short hike recommendation in southern appalachians
stranger
06-24-2010, 21:50
Heya,
Just looking to take someone on a basic, overnight hike with a total distance not exceeding 12-16 miles or so, will be heading south from Detroit soon and would like to do something in the higher elevations in the south (Southern VA, TN, NC).
Anyone know any good loops in the area or anything else that stands out. We have wheels so public trans not a concern.
Cheers.
generoll
06-24-2010, 22:03
as far as I'm concerned the best loop hike in the southern appalachians is the Standing Indian Loop. drop off your car, hike 2 or 3 days and then come out right at your car.
Ox97GaMe
06-24-2010, 23:42
There are several loops in the Smokies that would fit your criteria. Find a loop that includes some high peaks, a bald or two, walk along some cascading streams, and maybe even take in a bit of turn of the century history.
AND... it is a relatively easy 1 day, straight shot, drive from Detroit.
(Former Wolverine from Kazoo)
Grayson Highlands SP,
Park at Massie Gap, 12 mile loop, 4000'+ elevation, wild ponies, vistas.
Cookerhiker
06-25-2010, 08:54
Stranger, I recall that you've hiked the AT several times from Springer to Central Virginia and while you may not have hiked side trails in the Smokies, Grayson Highlands, or Standing Indian, you've been in the region.
So I'll offer an alternative that's closer to Detroit and high elevation albeit not directly on the way to the South: the Monongahela National Forest in West Virginia. In particular, 2 areas: Dolly Sods Wilderness and Cranberry Wilderness. In either place, you can craft day hike loops of varying length. Both lie in unique ecosystems. Dolly Sods has open meadows almost West-lie with intervening spruce trees. Cranberry has open bogs and forests which make you think you're in Northern New England.
Sorry I don't have the link - the Forest Service website is down right now. Once it comes up, you can check here: http://www.fs.fed.us/r9/mnf/
Roan Highlands
Ditto. Hike in to the Barn (Over Mountain Shelter) and back out And hit Grassy Ridge side trail.
stranger
06-25-2010, 23:51
Thanks for the feedback...will consider the options!
Cheers.