Comments on: Old Butt Knob and Shining Creek Trails Loop, Shining Rock Wilderness https://internetbrothers.org/2011/07/09/old-butt-knob-and-shining-creek-trails-loop-shining-rock-wilderness/ A Hiking Blog Fri, 22 Apr 2016 03:00:00 +0000 hourly 1 By: Jeff Clark, Meanderthals https://internetbrothers.org/2011/07/09/old-butt-knob-and-shining-creek-trails-loop-shining-rock-wilderness/#comment-5665 Fri, 22 Apr 2016 03:00:00 +0000 http://internetbrothers.org/?p=1066#comment-5665 In reply to Susan.

Thanks for the great trail report Susan.

]]> By: Susan https://internetbrothers.org/2011/07/09/old-butt-knob-and-shining-creek-trails-loop-shining-rock-wilderness/#comment-5664 Fri, 22 Apr 2016 02:34:00 +0000 http://internetbrothers.org/?p=1066#comment-5664 We did this amazing hike 2 days ago with blue skies for long range views. Trillium, Jack-in-the Pulpits, Dutchman’s Breeches, Bluets, and 3 colors of Violets were some of the numerous spring flowers to brighten our trail. We read through all the helpful description and comments to mentally familiarize ourselves; before heading out to Shining Rock Wilderness, where no colored trail blazes would be to help guide us. The counter clock-wise climb was our choice, to hit the hardest section first. Many small rests were taken to let the heart beat calm down. This was definitely strenuous being rocky, rugged and steep. Views off the side trails were breathtaking and a few bright, white flowering trees stood out across the valley on the far ridge.

After figuring we passed Old Butt Knob, Dog Loser and Beech Spring Gap, there was a point where we were scratching our heads though, because at least 3 side trails came in and it got a little confusing; despite the use of a compass. We hiked further coming to the shining rock area, which had some of the most beautiful quartz we’d ever seen. After that point there were 2 more side trails on the back left of us….we were beginning to wonder if we were on the correct trail heading down. Shortly after, we saw the sign that pointed to the direction of “Cold Mtn” [the area they call the wagon wheel] and that helped us get our bearings again. I think it is note worthy to also mention that minutes after that sign is a second one that pointed to “Shining Creek Trail” and how far you have left to go to the parking lot. Hiked on a Tuesday and saw no other hikers.

]]> By: Michael Marshall https://internetbrothers.org/2011/07/09/old-butt-knob-and-shining-creek-trails-loop-shining-rock-wilderness/#comment-5402 Mon, 15 Jun 2015 02:29:00 +0000 http://internetbrothers.org/?p=1066#comment-5402 I definitely agree that this is a Best Hike. Your description of the route and it’s features are spot on. This trail is no doubt one of the most diverse trails I have run across in NC. True it is a great work out but not overwhelming at all. I found the descent to be harder on my legs then the ascent (maybe because the old legs were a bit tired from the ascent?). If it is a stretch to get to the trail, as it is for me, I camped and did another trail the next day. Plenty of awesome trails in all directions from there. I definitely recommend it to anyone who loves to hike! I think this loop has grown in popularity as it is well open and easy to follow. Have fun and enjoy the views and the work out!

]]> By: SpudX https://internetbrothers.org/2011/07/09/old-butt-knob-and-shining-creek-trails-loop-shining-rock-wilderness/#comment-4031 Mon, 07 Oct 2013 21:33:00 +0000 http://internetbrothers.org/?p=1066#comment-4031 Me and the better half did this loop counterclockwise on 10/5/13. Beautiful day, and a beautiful trail. The chestnut leaves were golden and others were beginning to turn. Thanks for providing such a clear description; we would have never picked up cairn for Old Butt or the steps for Shining Creek trails without your guidance. To anyone thinking about taking this route in low light conditions, take care. I imagine it gets dark fairly early in the day down in the Shining Creek gorge during the shorter days of the year.

]]> By: Jeff Clark, Meanderthals https://internetbrothers.org/2011/07/09/old-butt-knob-and-shining-creek-trails-loop-shining-rock-wilderness/#comment-3993 Tue, 30 Jul 2013 22:33:00 +0000 http://internetbrothers.org/?p=1066#comment-3993 In reply to Brad Grant.

Hey, thanks Brad. I enjoy doing it.

]]> By: Brad Grant https://internetbrothers.org/2011/07/09/old-butt-knob-and-shining-creek-trails-loop-shining-rock-wilderness/#comment-3992 Tue, 30 Jul 2013 22:29:00 +0000 http://internetbrothers.org/?p=1066#comment-3992 Very nice. Love your site. Thanks for the write-ups and pictures and keep up the good work!

]]> By: Jeff Clark, Meanderthals https://internetbrothers.org/2011/07/09/old-butt-knob-and-shining-creek-trails-loop-shining-rock-wilderness/#comment-3853 Mon, 15 Apr 2013 03:00:00 +0000 http://internetbrothers.org/?p=1066#comment-3853 In reply to Patrick.

Thanks for the feedback Patrick. I agree. This is one of the best hikes in WNC.

]]> By: Patrick https://internetbrothers.org/2011/07/09/old-butt-knob-and-shining-creek-trails-loop-shining-rock-wilderness/#comment-3852 Mon, 15 Apr 2013 02:56:00 +0000 http://internetbrothers.org/?p=1066#comment-3852 I took this hike basically two days after I read about it on this great blog and began doing more research. I live up North near Cincinnati but was planning a visit to the area and wanted to get in on some real good hiking. I’d say I’m an intermediate hiker. I’ve backpacked trough some regions in Canada and hiked just about all the parks in southwestern Ohio. This hike was unbelievably gorgeous and extremely challenging – especially since I idiotically brought a heavy pack. None the less, what a beautiful hike. It was very exciting to get up and start seeing beyond the mountain tops to other ranges from the rocky lookouts Jeff describes along Old Butt, which is up up up. By the time I arrived at the trail junction I was so exhausted I only had enough energy and time for lunch and to make it out with daylight. Very rocky coming down Shining Creek, as described. Totally gorgeous though. I wish I had a couple weeks to backpack across the area along some of the other trails. Anyways, this is a very tough hike – there’s no doubt about that, but it’s worth it. Next time I hike the area, I plan on taking my time and possibly doing some camping along the way.

The whole loop took me 5.5 hours with some rests and lunch

A couple tips – When hiking in on the trailhead, you see the river to your left. The trailhead takes you away from it, you cross a tiny stream and eventually you can just start to hear the river again. This is about where Old Butt branches off to the right. Right when you begin to hear the river (or creek) again. Old Butt Knob seems find-able if you’re paying attention. Also – I took this hike near Spring which may make a difference.

At the trail junction at the top, Shining Creek is marked with four wooden log steps right where it joins the area.

Cheers to all, and happy hiking!

]]> By: wmbii https://internetbrothers.org/2011/07/09/old-butt-knob-and-shining-creek-trails-loop-shining-rock-wilderness/#comment-3845 Thu, 04 Apr 2013 01:49:00 +0000 http://internetbrothers.org/?p=1066#comment-3845 Did this loop again today in 4 hours – a workout. When the leaves are not yet out, it is a treat to be able to see the topography and the beautiful falls. Crossed 42 tributaries to the Shining Creek on the way down. Fantastic and earns the “best hike” moniker!

]]> By: Scott https://internetbrothers.org/2011/07/09/old-butt-knob-and-shining-creek-trails-loop-shining-rock-wilderness/#comment-3793 Thu, 10 Jan 2013 21:25:00 +0000 http://internetbrothers.org/?p=1066#comment-3793 In reply to Jeff Clark, Meanderthals.

Thanks for the info Jeff! We’ll be prepared for a Butt (Knob) kicking then. We’ll try to get started early too since it gets dark so early now. Thanks! I’ve hiked the Art Loeb Trail from the Black Balsam parking area up to the Shining Rock summit area so it will be nice to revisit that area via a different trail.

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