I drove down to NC last Sunday (10/17) and was honored to spend a few days with none other than Phantom Grappler who was my guide for a quick overnight trip to Shortoff Mountain, which hosts spectacular views from the eastern lip of the Linville Gorge, and another 2-night trip for a great little loop called Dutchman's Creek in the Uwharrie National Forest.
It was such a treat to walk some trails that do not consist entirely of ankle-busting boulders like many here in the Northeast, and to enjoy some very moderate temperatures and crystal clear blue skies... come to think of it, I did not see a single cloud the whole time I was in North Carolina!
The drive south was completely uneventful until about the last 8 miles when I drove my Dodge Caravan on the dusty and rutted road called 'Old NC 105' and darn near didn't make it through one deeply rutted and steep hairpin turn. Phantom had warned me that the north approach might be a bad idea, but naturally I didn't listen and was lucky not to get stuck or worse, rip out an oil pan. But there were plenty of friendly folks in ginormous 4-wheel drive rigs who probably would've helped me out. If I'm ever up that way again I'll definitely approach from the south or I'll be driving a more appropriate vehicle.
People familiar with the area will be saying "Why were you on that side of the Gorge, since Shortoff is on the other side?" Well, Phantom wanted to introduce me to some of the Gorge Rats at "Birthday Camp" which is just a couple of rock throws north of the Pinch-In trail head. It was great meeting this fine group of friends who have been doing these trips for quite a few years and combining car/base camping with day hikes and backpack trips down into the Gorge. The Gorge Rats very generously offered us a delicious camp dinner but both of us had already eaten... I had a loaded pizza from The Italian Restaurant in Pineola and was still quite stuffed!
Next morning, I followed as Phantom drove south around the bottom end of the Gorge and we found our way to the Wolf Pit parking area and started our climb up to Shortoff Mountain. After some truly fantastic views on the way up, we made camp at a stunning promontory with expansive vistas to the west. Not long after settling in we were visited by Kenny Ray, the "Mayor of Linville Gorge," who was out for a day hike, and had a very enjoyable conversation for a couple of hours. It seems that when hammock folk get together there is plenty to talk about!
The next morning we did the quick hike back down to Wolf Pit and drove over to Yates Place, with a slight detour to Rick's Restaurant in Phantom's hometown, Denton.
Yates is a cool Place, and those of you attending the hang there in a couple of weeks are in for a treat — plenty of options for day hikes or even an overnighter on very well maintained trails await you; I just hope that your weather is as good as ours was!!
Phantom Grappler on the Shortoff trail:
View of Lake James on the way up Shortoff:
Near the top of Shortoff Mtn:
Our perch/camp for the night on Shortoff:
We both brought our chairs so we could kick back and relax!
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Originally Posted by Layne
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