Named for the white quartzite rock that forms its summit, Shining Rock’s 5940 foot peak is not the highest in these two wilderness areas. In fact, Shining Rock Ledge, which forms the backbone of the area, boasts five peaks over 6000 feet, the highest being Cold Mountain at 6030 ft.

If Cold Mountain sounds familiar, it should. This is the Cold Mountain of Charles Frazier’s bestselling and Pulitzer Prize winning novel, Cold Mountain . Literary pilgrims should be aware that the hike to Cold Mountain is no walk in the park. It is a 10.6 mile hike (one way) from the Daniel Boone Camp trailhead via the Art Loeb and Cold Mountain Trails .

Camping permits are not required for either wilderness area but groups of more than 10 are prohibited. For more info, contact the District Ranger at 828-877-3265

This Video was shot by Vimeo User: wmuzekeAwesome narrative and explanation of the different trails.