(Video) Flat Laurel Creek - Sam Knob loop

**TallPaul** · 07-09-2013, 12:04

Here's another installment of my Southeast (mainly NC/VA/SC) backpacking trips.

After a week of solid of rain here in NC, I took a chance the weather might be breaking up, so I headed to the Shining Rock Wilderness here in NC for a short over nighter. You'll see immediately how the weather turned out.

I was fairly cautious on this solo - I adjusted my trip plans after seeing the raging creek crossing (the first one in the vid), but then got a wild hair to go cross country to find a better ford, but the bushwhacking was thicker with vegetation than I anticipated.
I eventually made it back to the truck, where I started off again. The MST section was twisty & uneven, with a fair number of roots, so I took it slow.

Overall the waterfalls were beautiful, and I got in some good gear testing.

I wish I had views to share from Sam's Knob peak - there are great views from the top.

**Michelle the Camper** · 07-09-2013, 12:13

Nice! Flat Laurel Creek is awesome!

**Mule** · 07-09-2013, 14:05

Awesome vidio and report. Wish I lived closer. I'd love to hike it.

**TallPaul** · 07-09-2013, 15:52

Originally Posted by Michelle the Camper

Nice! Flat Laurel Creek is awesome!

It is great. Lots of options on what you can do in this area.

Originally Posted by Mule

Awesome vidio and report. Wish I lived closer. I'd love to hike it.

Thanks Mule. I sometimes think 3.5 hrs is much, then I get to the parking lot and see folks from Fl or Oh and realize I shouldn't bellyache.
Enjoyed seeing you in your trip in Indiana this weekend.

**revbknox** · 07-09-2013, 16:20

Great report tallpaul! One of my favorite little trails to hike. You are right, lots of options up there, and always good to get out and get a little wet

**nothermark** · 07-09-2013, 18:51

Nice one! Goes to show it does not take perfect weather to have a good time. It does take a working solution though! ;-))

**Jibbers** · 07-09-2013, 22:05

Great Video man. Thank you for sharing.

**TallPaul** · 07-10-2013, 11:01

Originally Posted by revbknox

Great report tallpaul! One of my favorite little trails to hike. You are right, lots of options up there, and always good to get out and get a little wet

Thanks Revbknox...I remember some of your vids from the same place. It was good to get back up there.
Have you ever done the MST portion of this loop? I saw a side trail that I think went to Devil's Courthouse, but by then the thunder was starting up.

Originally Posted by nothermark

Nice one! Goes to show it does not take perfect weather to have a good time. It does take a working solution though! ;-))

I do admit it took some gumption to get out of the car, but once I got started, I was fine.

Originally Posted by Jibbers

Great Video man. Thank you for sharing.

Thanks Jibbers, glad you enjoyed it.

**Shug** · 07-10-2013, 11:29

A challenge of a solo will do you some good. Choices on the trail are even more important. And yes......the choice to step into the rain is always good if it is not life threatening.
Whooooo Buddy and carry forth.
Shug