Western NC suggestions...?

**Jester** · 08-11-2011, 05:49

Hey Gang!

Next April, some friends and I will be looking for a backpacking/camping venture in the western area of NC towards the end of April '12. I do not know the area real well and will not have the ability to do much "hands-on" research as I am moving to Los Angeles in November.

We (some hangers, some rock lovers

) are all 40-50 years old and some of the guys are not in the greatest shape. So, ideally we are looking for someplace to pack in and use as a bit of a base camp for day hikes or, just hanging out. Perhaps a nice loop is in order. We are really looking to be able to get out for about 3-4 days. Of course, they do have 7 months to get their butts in shape!

So, any thoughts?

If you need more information, let me know and I will hopefully be able to answer it.

Thanks so much!

BTW, I promise some really killer photos! Trust me, I'm a professional.

**Roche** · 08-11-2011, 06:50

We just had a group hang in Pisgah National Forest. Less than a mile to camp with plenty of water, hiking trails, views, etc... This area could be a possibility.

http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/s...ear#post505816

http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/s...ad.php?t=37209

**Crawldaddy** · 08-11-2011, 07:00

what Roche said...

**JayBow** · 08-12-2011, 00:44

What Crawldaddy said... about what Roche said...

**Jester** · 08-12-2011, 06:50

Thanks Gang...

I may head up there this weekend for a little recon hike.

Cheers!

**Hangin' Burrito** · 08-12-2011, 07:17

There's also Mills River rec. area. RF & I go up there in the winter to do some cold weather camping.
There's also the Shining Rock wilderness.

**ccathcart72** · 08-12-2011, 08:14

If you want a loop with a little AT Mileage you could look at the Standing Indian area near Franklin, NC.

**Yosef** · 08-12-2011, 09:04

I would look seriously at Panthertown. Great scenery and the hiking is not too strenuous. You can set a base camp up in the valley and make day hikes all over the valley and get everything from great views, waterfalls, wildlife, and swimming holes.

If you look at some of my past threads I have trip reports posted for a bunch of places in western NC.

You might also explore Linville Gorge, The Smokey Mountains, and the Shining Rock area.

**slowhike** · 08-12-2011, 09:31

Originally Posted by Yosef

I would look seriously at Panthertown. Great scenery and the hiking is not too strenuous. You can set a base camp up in the valley and make day hikes all over the valley and get everything from great views, waterfalls, wildlife, and swimming holes.

Yes, that is a beautiful & unusual place. I had a back breaking experience there in 2002, but it wasn't the lands fault

I'd like to take another trip there one of these days. I just wont be climbing any trees