Info on Wilson Creek (near Blowing Rock NC)

[TallPaul]

Does anybody out there have any experience backpacking in this area?
It has a few features that might entice my kids out for another trip - namely, the creek and distance from Charlotte.

Any recommendations on trails or loops?
Are some areas easier to drive into the trailhead than others?
Any good swimming holes? My adventurous teens like to jump off rocks into water.
And any experience hammocking here?

Thanks

[MedicineMan]

First google hit might entice the adventerous girls:
http://www.hikertohiker.com/thishiki...on-creek-day-1

[Gqgeek81]

I believe I cut out a snippet on this area in Backpacker's years ago. They said good things. That's all I've got.

[TATO]

Absolutely love this area. Great views, plenty of waterfalls. Most trails I have been on has numerous water crossings so be prepared. Stop by the visitors center and pick up a very nice area map. It has all the trails highlighted. This is a designated wilderness area and many trails are unmarked and some are not used often. It's a little easy to get turned around especially with the numerous side trails for the trout fishing. But the best info is get the map, it's great.

[TallPaul]

MM - Thanks for that link.
Gqgeek81 - I'll have to see if I can find that online
Tato - I like a good map, especially in areas with few signs. Thanks for the recommendation

[CJK]

Harper Creek Falls. This is a warm weather trail. You will cross the creek many times. There are some great hammock spots.

[MedicineMan]

and we're expecting a cool trip vid TallPaul
wondering how waterproof the Note 2 is HA!

[BigA]

I have been here many times. Very popular for us fly fishermen. Any place you chose will have great water and plenty of adventure for the kids. All the trails are easy to find and follow. Look forward to the video when you get out there.

[Grits]

Does anybody out there have any experience backpacking in this area?
It has a few features that might entice my kids out for another trip - namely, the creek and distance from Charlotte.

Any recommendations on trails or loops?
Are some areas easier to drive into the trailhead than others?
Any good swimming holes? My adventurous teens like to jump off rocks into water.
And any experience hammocking here?

Thanks

TallPaul you will have a blast. The mountains to sea trail runs 24 miles through from Beacon Heights on the parkway to raiders camp creek trail on Hwy 181, from Gragg Prong Falls to Harpers Creek Falls there is a lot of places to hike and all camp sites are along the creek and are great for hammock camping. If you do a loop hike there will be some forest service road walking. FS rd 464 and the intersection of fs rd 58 has car camping sites. Get the Wilson's Creek forest service map for accurate trail discriptions. Also check out
http://www.ncwaterfalls.com/wilson_creek1.htm

[Michelle the Camper]

I'm going there this weekend coming up. I am going to try to catch some trout! I'll let you know what I find