Are there bears in Pisgah Forest?
Black bears are active in parts of Pisgah National Forest that are frequented by visitors during the summer months — including the North Mills River campground, the Bent Creek Experimental Forest and Black Balsam, the U.S. National Forest Service warned in a news release Friday.
Can you camp in Shining Rock Wilderness?
This camping area is part of the Shining Rock Wilderness and is a beautiful place to spend the night. There are several dispersed camping sites from which to choose. The parking area for these campsites is the trailhead for a trail to Sam’s Knob, and there are several other trails close by.
What is Shining Rock made of?
white quartz
Located near the Blue Ridge Parkway south of Asheville, the literal shining spot in the wilderness is its namesake peak, Shining Rock, a summit covered with enormous boulders of white quartz that catch sunlight with a gleaming brilliance.
What to know about the Shining Rock Wilderness?
An accurate map, compass, and the ability to use both are mandatory for travel in a wilderness area. Additionally, in the Shining Rock and Middle Prong Wilderness Areas, campfires are not allowed, groups may not be larger than ten people at any time, and bicycles are not allowed in the wilderness areas.
Do you need bear canisters for Shining Rock Wilderness?
As of March 2015, bear canisters are required for dispersed camping in Shining Rock Wilderness. All bear canisters must be commercially made; constructed of solid, non-pliable material manufactured for the specific purpose of resisting entry by bears.
How tall is Shining Rock in North Carolina?
Shining Rock became one of the original components of the Wilderness System in September 1964. It is the largest Wilderness area in North Carolina. Many mountains in the Wilderness exceed 5,000 feet and three peaks exceed 6,000 feet.
Where does Shining Rock Ledge meet Pisgah Ledge?
But where the Shining Rock Ledge meets the Pisgah Ledge at Black Balsam Mountain to the south (the bottom of the U), there are relatively level areas and high valleys such as Graveyard Fields and Flat Laurel Creek on either side. There are three main access points for trails within this Wilderness.