Hiking & Backcountry Camping in NC?

**EP34FR** · 03-29-2014, 16:19

Anyone have any suggestions for good hiking, with Backcountry Camping spots in NC? Don't really want a "campground", with a bunch of sites every couple hundred feet or so. Really want something secluded, where there is just me, and no one else around for miles (if places like that even exist anymore)...thinking more along the lines of stealth camping.

Thanks for anyone's input!
- EP

**Brancher** · 03-29-2014, 17:36

Joyce Kilmer forest. It is secluded, miles of great trails, and rough country.
South Mountain State park. I've been there once, there are some beautiful places there, trails are easier, not sure about crowds.

**wisenber** · 03-29-2014, 18:26

The Pisgah and Nantahala National Forests have tons of places that meet that criteria. Slick Rock, Shining Rock, Linville Gorge....hundreds of potential campsites and hundreds of thousands of acres. There's no need to stealth camp as they do not have designated campsites. The further you go from the trailhead, the less likely you are to encounter anyone else.

**MGLion** · 03-31-2014, 10:38

Croatan National Forest, New Bern, NC may fit your criteria. I have not been there, but am planning to in the near future.

Link to Forest Service Web Site
http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/nfsnc...48466&actid=63

**EP34FR** · 03-31-2014, 15:50

Thanks for all of the replies, so far...keep 'em coming!

Linville Gorge looks awesome, I'll def. check that one out.

MGLion, I've hiked and hunted quite a bit in the Croatan. No trails in the areas I've been; plus, being originally from the mountains of VA, I need some land with contours!

**MGLion** · 03-31-2014, 16:20

Originally Posted by EP34FR

Thanks for all of the replies, so far...keep 'em coming!

Linville Gorge looks awesome, I'll def. check that one out.

MGLion, I've hiked and hunted quite a bit in the Croatan. No trails in the areas I've been; plus, being originally from the mountains of VA, I need some land with contours!

Being from northern Michigan, I too need land with contours.

As for the Croatan, (since I am looking to get back into backpack camping) I saw literature on the Neusiok Trail, which is part of the 900-mile Mountains-to-Sea Trail. It is rated "easy" so would be good for me and the trail heads are within an hours drive. Based upon your OP, it fit your request.
http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_...rdb5366095.pdf

Happy Trails.

**kwchannell89** · 03-31-2014, 21:32

Originally Posted by EP34FR

Thanks for all of the replies, so far...keep 'em coming!

Linville Gorge looks awesome, I'll def. check that one out.

MGLion, I've hiked and hunted quite a bit in the Croatan. No trails in the areas I've been; plus, being originally from the mountains of VA, I need some land with contours!

Linville Gorge is awesome, but be advised, the National Geographic map for Linville is wrong... You'll have to venture over to LinvilleGorge.net and use their maps. There was also a wildfire last November in the Gorge and it burned a huge, huge chunk of wilderness. It's also very difficult place to hike, if you're a beginner. With that said, don't take Linville Gorge lightly and you'll enjoy its beauty. Bearing the black ashes has disappeared.... I haven't look at recent pictures, yet.

**EP34FR** · 04-01-2014, 04:08

Originally Posted by MGLion

Based upon your OP, it fit your request.

You are right, MGLion...I forgot about the Neusiok. I'm mostly in the area's to the west (around Brices Creek and down to Catfish Lake). Does the Neusiok allow backcountry camping?

kw...Yea, I've gotten some good suggestions for hike routes from linvillegorge.net's website too. The hiking there is no joke either... def. a challenge!

And you are right...I downloaded the KMZ file from that website, and the NatGeo map is a joke compared to what is actually there. The comments about Linville Gorge NatGeo maps only being useful to start a fire are pretty much on point!

**MGLion** · 04-01-2014, 12:13

Originally Posted by EP34FR

You are right, MGLion...I forgot about the Neusiok. I'm mostly in the area's to the west (around Brices Creek and down to Catfish Lake). Does the Neusiok allow backcountry camping?

From the site I linked it does. The trail is 20 miles and as part of the Mountains to Sea Trail, I would think it has to.

I have yet to try it, but plan to before the year is out. It would be a good overnighter for me.

I am looking for places to go in NC, that would fit weekend trips.

**AKA Pete** · 04-04-2014, 20:30

You guys don't forget about Uwharrie NF. Pretty much the middle of the State - and not too far from anywhere. Plenty of off trail areas you can get "lost" in for the weekend.