View Full Version : First time hanger in NC
Hey - I've been lurking some time on this and a few other forums. Trying to get back into wilderness camping after a 25 year break. I'm just looking for some suggestions on a few break-in target areas. I've done plenty of car camping with the family all over western NC over the years, but I'm looking for this to be a mild wilderness experience. I'm accumulating gear (hammock, bag, stove, water purifier, etc) and need to try it out in a solo, low-moderate risk situation. Eventually I want to go back down into Linville and really explore that area. But for now, I would like:
- foothills or Piedmont of NC (driving from the Triangle)
- a short hike (easy retreat to the car if something serious fails)
- a natural water supply
- privacy
- and two trees roughly 15 ft apart :D
Welcome from PA. Good luck, start with areas that you can bug out from is things don't go as planned. I would recommend becoming a donating member for great information on your gear that isn't directly related to hammocks.
TallPaul
02-19-2013, 14:51
Welcome from Charlotte.
Here's a couple areas to consider:
Stone Mountain
https://www.hammockforums.net/forum/showthread.php?t=66358
Doughton Park
https://www.hammockforums.net/forum/showthread.php?t=63793
Hiknhanger
02-19-2013, 15:09
Welcome from Greensboro. The Uwharrie National Forest is nice and not a bad drive from the Triangle. There is a group hang coming up soon there. It is a great place to get some ideas from more experienced hangers. Lots of fun and good company and eating!
https://www.hammockforums.net/forum/showthread.php?t=64046
My first overnight as a backpacker and hammocker was in the Birkhead National Forest, which is in the Uwharries. Plenty of creeks there for water and good setup for hammocks. I think it would suit your needs very well.
Paul - I've been to Stone and Doughton quite a bit. Stone's an interesting option.... is camping really limited to the Widow's Creek trail? And I've car camped at Doughton (blah), but wasn't aware of any wilderness camping there. Great links - your write ups help quite a bit.
Hikn - Uwharrie has been on my mind a bit - I've taken the Jeep in there a couple of times, but I don't know much about it at all - except the proximity is about perfect - an hour or so from Chapel Hill.
Hiknhanger
02-19-2013, 15:40
Paul - I've been to Stone and Doughton quite a bit. Stone's an interesting option.... is camping really limited to the Widow's Creek trail? And I've car camped at Doughton (blah), but wasn't aware of any wilderness camping there. Great links - your write ups help quite a bit.
Hikn - Uwharrie has been on my mind a bit - I've taken the Jeep in there a couple of times, but I don't know much about it at all - except the proximity is about perfect - an hour or so from Chapel Hill.
The Uwharries are not really known for their spectacular vistas, but it is a nice place. I thought it was a great place for my first trip.
As far as Stone Mtn., the Widow Creek Trail sites are the only primitive/backpacking ones. I have camped in a regular site in December when some areas were closed for the season, but access to trees can be tough if you don't get there to spot a site with some trees. We found a site with trees on the back side right along a creek. The primitive sites are available all year whereas some of the other areas are closed for the winter.
TallPaul
02-19-2013, 15:56
Glad to help.
Agreed, Widows Creek is the only backpacking trail in Stone Mountain.
Another option is South Mountain... I've been there but haven't backpacked yet.
TallPaul
02-19-2013, 16:00
I should also mention... The options I've given so far aren't high on privacy - I see that on your criteria. Not that I found people camping on top of each other... The Doughton primitive area, for example, allows 6 parties in at a time... It is a big group of trees that can easily hold this... just be aware you might not be alone.
So it's the usual cast of characters, I guess. With the exception of Uwharrie, I've spent quite a bit of time in all of those - climbing, fishing or camping. Familiarity is probably wise and in my favor for a first time out. I suppose I ought to take advantage of it.
Thanks for the warm welcome, guys. Very helpful info, too. And a great forum.
kkilgroe
02-19-2013, 18:19
Welcome from Raleigh. Both Raven's Rock and Eno River have hike in "easy retreat" sites that are suitable for early solo hikes in my opinion. Also this time of year traffic should be sparse so it will seem wilderness lite possibly.
gunner76
02-19-2013, 19:46
Don't forget the Neusiok Trail down on the coast
Birkhead wilderness in Uwharrie national forest is really nice as well.
Falls Lake smoked butt Hang coming up
https://www.hammockforums.net/forum/showthread.php?t=63722
There are gameland sections in the Uwharries where you will not see another person this time of year. Check out the NCWRC gamelands maps. You are scouting for turkey season ;)
I second Raven Rock State Park... Great spot for what you're looking to do....
Catavarie
02-23-2013, 17:06
Welcome from the Bull city. I will say local areas that I enjoy for quick getaways with that "wilderness lite" feel are Eno (site 10 is the most private), Shinleaf (at Falls Lake), and New Hope Overlook (at Jordan Lake). All of these locations will let you get away from other people and give you a pretty easy bail out to the car if your gear doesn't hold up. I've never had trouble at any of these locations hanging my hammock away from people, if you are looking for seclusion. And don't underestimate the joys of a simple pit privy. Sure you can dig a cat hole to take care of business, but do you really want to on a practice trip?
However you if want to get a bit further out of town then Uwharrie is going to be the closest National Forest giving you the freedom to camp pretty much anywhere you can find two trees. :D
Went to Raven Rock this past weekend just to scout it out. That's a great park. The "primitive" camping area is closed for all of 2013. But the canoe camping and group camping areas are open.
And we walked over to Eno's camping area. That's nice as well, but looks like it gets a lot of daytime traffic.
Working on a hike to Uwharrie soon.
Welcome and I hope you enjoy all your adventures.
Feel free to come out to the yates place hang this weekend. even if its just to meet some of us. We will have food on Sat. night. This is a really nice place. The info is located in the bottom of my signature. There is also a group hang with BBQ in april that Catavarie is organizing and his info is in his signature ( just look at the links under what we type).
I would check out South Mountain State park for a good overnight trip.
Wilson's Creek is another good area but it can be a little more difficult to navigate and there are less people on the trails so you can get more of a wilderness experience without really strenuous hiking.
Panthertown Wilderness is another great place to explore with waterfalls and big views, just make sure you are up on your bear etiquette.
Turkey Pen Gap in Pisgah National Forrest is another good place with level hiking and great fishing.
A quick out and back to Ivestor Gap in Shining Rock Wilderness is also a great trip with minimal elevation gain but unbelievable views.
Glad to help.
Agreed, Widows Creek is the only backpacking trail in Stone Mountain.
Another option is South Mountain... I've been there but haven't backpacked yet.
Here is a video we did at South Mountain. The views are better than Uwharries.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uTMKAu8UifE
TallPaul
03-17-2013, 16:14
Here is a video we did at South Mountain. The views are better than Uwharries.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uTMKAu8UifE
your vid was my inspiration to go there.
Don't forget the Neusiok Trail down on the coast
An important note on the Neusiok - the last two days of deer hunting season are probably not the best days to go camping there. Lots and lots of guns and packs of dogs and crashing deer. Made for some nervous moments.