Hey everyone, trying to plan a trip for a group of friends for next weekend(Feb 8-9). We want to go snow camping in western North Carolina. We would be coming from Charleston, Sc. So the closer to South Carolina the better. We have had luck before in the Brevard area but the weather looks to be to warm this weekend. A State park would probably be best but open to other ideas such as logging roads in the middle of nowhere. Any help is appreciated.
Your best bet for snow would be to take highway 276 out of Brevard to the Parkway
If you are set on snow, I suggest black balsam area in the pisgah ranger district. Anything above 5000 ft should give you a winter experience. You might have to access this area via hwy 215 on the mountain to sea trail because the blue ridge parkway is usually closed in this spot during these times.
Yes we really want snow. Last time we stayed at the davidson river campground on hwy 276. Had about 4-5 inches. Doesnt look like the temp will low enough next weekend. So will have to look around.
Black Balsam area is about the highest elevation where you can approximate car camping. There is a parking lot about a mile off the parkway and trails that branch out in all directions. Some of those have campsites within a stone's throw of the lot. Some are much further. Bring cold weather gear! The wind on top of the balsams can be insane!
"The Road goes ever on and on,
Down from the door where it began.
Now far ahead the Road has gone,
And I must follow, if I can.
Pursuing it with eager feet
Until it joins some larger way
Where many paths and errands meet.
And whither then? I cannot say."
~Bilbo Baggins - LotR
You Might also checkout the Roan Mtn area and the Linville Gorge area near Boone
Thanks for your suggestions. Called the pisgah ranger office today and they said there isnt a snowflake to be found in the area. We might try Roan Mt. area but might just stay local also.
We just had a dusting of snow last night. Not enough to measure.
We do still have a few inches left in the higher elevations, and sure there is more on south facing slopes.
(Our snow man from over a week ago is now a pile on the grass.)
The surrounding mountains have a nice white 'hoar frost' look to them. The yesterday morning a fog froze onto the trees, and left it looking beautiful.
21° this morning at 3600', above Waynesville, next to the Nat'l Park, just off the road to Cataloochee Valley. (Home)
You may be able to call the Blue Ridge Parkway ranger station for info on the amount of snow on the 'ParkWay' at different locations.
Shining Rock Wilderness near the mentioned Black Balsam/Grave Yard Fields, but, the ParkWay may be closed.
The 215 from the town of bethel may work. It goes up to the ParkWay.
Another idea is Sliding Rock area off the 276.
Ken in NC
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