Shining Rock Summit

Overview

Shining Rock wilderness is our guide's favorite day hike. Offering multiple summits over 6,000’ with panoramic views and a quartzite capped summit that can be seen for miles. Shining Rock Summit is the best day hike in Western North Carolina. We will start out our morning with a rendezvous in Asheville or at the trailhead; whatever is more convenient based on your location. We start our hike with a short ascent to Black Balsam Mountain at 6,214’ in elevation with 360° views. From there we will hike to Tennent Mountain at 6,065’ in elevation with mountain vistas ranging as far away as 60+ miles. Tennent Mountain also offers an interesting perspective on Black Balsam, Shining Rock Wilderness and Looking Glass rock. From Tennent Mountain it’s a short hike to our picnic location, Ivestor Gap. After lunch we will continue on to Shining Rock for exploration and a well deserved rest. This will take us to the most remote and scenic mountain top you may ever get to experience. Not to mention the geological rarity that is Shining Rock. We will spend ample time here relaxing, refueling and most importantly taking in the amazing scenery. Following up our break on Shining Rock we will be taking another trail back to the trailhead.

Quick Info

Price $290 per group
Group Size 1-3 Hikers
Distance 9.5 Mile Loop
Difficulty 4 out of 5
Solitude 4 out of 5
Time 6-9 Hours

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Transportation Information We currently only support transportation for three to four passengers. There is an additional fee of $100.00 if transportation is required. We also have a partnership with a local van service that is capable of moving larger groups around. Please inquire if you are looking for transportation services. The van service is based out of Asheville and will operate in all of Western North Carolina to include Hendersonville and Waynesville.

Backcountry Picnic: What To Expect Included in your hike, your guide will carry light trail snacks such as Kind Bars, trail mix, and nuts. Your picnic lunch will consist of foods such as a gourmet sandwich or wrap, fruit, veggies, chips and a dessert. We will provide a beverage. All lunch choices will be customized between you and your guide. During the winter months, we will provide a hot meal upon request.

Cost For Additional Hikers Our Shining Rock Summit hike includes one to three hikers. If you are interested in bringing more people along, please inquire before booking. There is an extra $40 charge per additional hiker.

What's Included In Your Trip

Awe-inspiring Mountain Top Views
Three 6,000’+ Summits
Shining Rock Exploration Time
Backcountry Picnic, prepared for you by your guide while you enjoy the scenery.
Trail Snacks
A Friendly, Knowledgeable wilderness guide with your best interests in mind at all times throughout the trip
A commitment to make the experience exciting, challenging, informative and enjoyable as possible.
Guide carries a First-Aid kit, emergency communications gear and a cell phone at all times.

What Is Not Included, But Required

Day Pack
Hiking Boots or Shoes
Rain Jacket or Poncho
Water Bladder or Two Liters of Bottled Water
Sunscreen
Specialized Medical Supplies (ex. EpiPen)

What Is Not Included, But Recommended

Optional Add-Ons For A Better Experience

Gourmet Backcountry Hot Meals

$ 150

Prepared by a local professional chef, upgrade your backcountry picnic to a gourmet meal while experiencing breath-taking views. All prepared for you, so you don't lift a finger.

Rent A Day Pack

$ 35

Don't own or have your day pack handy? We offer rentals for your day trip.

Our Top Rated Day Hikes

$290 per group
1-3 Hikers
9.5 Mile Loop

Private Sunrise Hike

This experience is not for the faint hearted. We will start out our morning meeting up an hour before sunrise starts at the base of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Typically sunrise is around 6:30am eastern time, this time fluctuates depending on the time of year. Your guide will double check you have the required gear and that your head lamp is functioning. We keep spare lamps and batteries on us if you have a malfunction or need a headlamp let us know. Upon verifying all gear is in working order and everyone has their supplies we will start a short, 30 minute, drive up the parkway to the trailhead. We will hike a total of 1.5 miles round trip with the initial ascent only taking us 20 minutes or so. Your guide will verify everyone is in a safe location and proceed to make fresh coffee as you enjoy the sunrise of your life with your loved ones. Once the sun has risen and the colors have dissipated we will hike out and be able to enjoy the 360° views we missed on the way up the mountain in the dark.

$190 per group
1-3 Hikers
1.5 Miles Total

Views and Brews

Just like the title says, views and then brews. That's the agenda for this hike, in that order. We will start out the morning meeting locally in Asheville or at the trailhead on the Blue Ridge Parkway, a short 20-40 minute drive from town depending on the scenery of your choosing. This hike will take you to a fire tower, remote rocky crag with sweeping mountain views or a large cliff face with sweeping high mountain vistas. These hikes range in distance from 3-5 miles. Following the hike we will meet back in town at a local brewery and enjoy a cold brew on us.

$390 per group
1-3 Hikers
3-5 Miles