Open in App

Shining Rock Wilderness in Canton | Map and Routes

Sports Facility · Bare rock

4.8 (8 ratings)

Welcome to Shining Rock Wilderness in Canton, a breathtaking 18632.6-acre park that offers an abundance of walking and hiking opportunities for nature enthusiasts. With a variety of trails catering to ...

Welcome to Shining Rock Wilderness in Canton, a breathtaking 18632.6-acre park that offers an abundance of walking and hiking opportunities for nature enthusiasts. With a variety of trails catering to different experience levels, from leisurely strolls to challenging hikes, this park is the ideal destination for anyone seeking outdoor activity and natural beauty. The park's well-maintained routes, including the popular Art Loeb Trail spanning 29.4 miles, provide an unforgettable experience amidst the stunning landscape of Shining Rock Wilderness. Whether you're an avid hiker or simply looking to enjoy a peaceful walk surrounded by nature, Shining Rock Wilderness has something for everyone. The diverse range of trails, such as the Ivestor Gap and Bridges Camp Gap Trail, allows visitors to explore the park at their own pace, taking in the tranquil forests and picturesque scenery. As you embark on your adventure, keep an eye out for the vibrant flora and fauna that call this wilderness home, adding to the allure of the hiking and walking experience. For those seeking a memorable walking or hiking experience, Shining Rock Wilderness in Canton is the ideal destination. With its extensive trail network, breathtaking vistas, and diverse natural landscapes, this park offers an unparalleled opportunity to immerse yourself in the great outdoors. Whether you're planning a leisurely stroll or a challenging hike, Shining Rock Wilderness invites you to download Pacer Pedometer for more information about park routes and make the most of your adventure in this captivating wilderness.

View MoreView More
Open in App for Detail
Overview
Check-in
Routes

Walking and Hiking in Shining Rock Wilderness

Nestled in the heart of Canton, the Shining Rock Wilderness offers a breathtaking landscape for walkers and hikers to explore. With essential amenities such as multiple parking lots and drinking water, visitors can rest assured that their basic needs are covered. For those seeking more adventurous activities, the park also ...

Nestled in the heart of Canton, the Shining Rock Wilderness offers a breathtaking landscape for walkers and hikers to explore. With essential amenities such as multiple parking lots and drinking water, visitors can rest assured that their basic needs are covered. For those seeking more adventurous activities, the park also provides horse riding facilities. As you traverse the trails, be sure to keep an eye out for the stunning viewpoints that offer captivating glimpses of the natural beauty that surrounds you. Whether you are an avid hiker or just looking for a leisurely walk, the Shining Rock Wilderness in Canton is the perfect destination for outdoor activity enthusiasts.

View MoreView More

Essential Amenities in Shining Rock Wilderness

Drinking water
Parking lot

Shining Rock Wilderness Sport Facilities

Horse riding

Best Walking Routes in Shining Rock Wilderness

#1 - Art Loeb Trail
1
Length: 29.4 milesEst. Time: 8h41m

Art Loeb Trail is a 29.4 mile (68,000-step) route located near Canton, North Carolina. This route has an elevation gain of about 4920 ft and is rated as hard. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#2 - Ivestor Gap
1
Length: 1.8 milesEst. Time: 30m

Ivestor Gap is a 1.8 mile (4,000-step) route located near Canton, North Carolina. This route has an elevation gain of about 150.9 ft and is rated as easy. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#3 - Bridges Camp Gap Trail
1
Length: 1.1 milesEst. Time: 19m

Bridges Camp Gap Trail is a 1.1 mile (2,500-step) route located near Canton, North Carolina. This route has an elevation gain of about 170.6 ft and is rated as medium. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

See All Routes
See All Routes

Shining Rock Wilderness Leaderboard

RankingCheck-ins
1
Tracy
1
Anthony
1
4wudzep
1
5Jordan
1
6drowebyu
1
7Jeff
1
8
1
*Leaderboard only shows top 10 users. Only public activities are eligible for leaderboards. For any one park, a user can only check-in a maximum of once per day.
Nearby Parks
Cold Mountain Gameland
Canton Memorial Park
Sorrells Street Park
Waynesville Recreation Park
Waynesville Skate Park
Hazelwood Recreation Park
Waynesville Recreation Park
Chestnut Mountain Park
Clyde Park

FAQs About Shining Rock Wilderness

Where is the best place to walk in Shining Rock Wilderness?

The best place to walk in Shining Rock Wilderness is the Art Loeb Trail, which is highly rated with a length of 29.4 miles. This trail offers stunning views and diverse terrain. (Routes info provided by the Pacer community)

How many routes are in Shining Rock Wilderness?

Shining Rock Wilderness has a total of 4 routes available for walking and hiking. These routes offer a variety of distances and difficulty levels to suit different preferences. (Routes info provided by the Pacer community)

Which is the longest route in Shining Rock Wilderness?

The longest route in Shining Rock Wilderness is the Art Loeb Trail, spanning 29.4 miles. This trail provides a challenging and rewarding experience for hikers and walkers. (Routes info provided by the Pacer community)

Are there facilities or amenities for walkers/hikers in Shining Rock Wilderness?

Yes, Shining Rock Wilderness offers parking lots and drinking water for walkers and hikers, ensuring convenient access and hydration during their visit.

How accessible is Shining Rock Wilderness?

Shining Rock Wilderness is accessible with parking lots available, making it convenient for visitors to reach the park and enjoy its natural beauty.

What kind of sports can I do in Shining Rock Wilderness?

In Shining Rock Wilderness, visitors can enjoy horse riding as a sports activity, allowing them to explore the park's scenic trails in a unique and adventurous way.

What is the best season to walk in Shining Rock Wilderness?

The best seasons for walking in Shining Rock Wilderness are spring and fall. During these times, the weather is milder, and the park is adorned with beautiful wildflowers and colorful foliage.

What are the typical weather conditions to prepare for in Shining Rock Wilderness?

Visitors should be prepared for variable weather conditions in Shining Rock Wilderness. Summers can be warm with occasional thunderstorms, while winters are cold with the possibility of snow and ice. It's important to dress in layers and be prepared for sudden changes in weather.

What kind of wildlife might you encounter in Shining Rock Wilderness?

Shining Rock Wilderness is home to a variety of wildlife, including white-tailed deer, black bears, wild turkeys, and various bird species. Hikers should be mindful of their surroundings and respectful of the natural habitat of these animals.

Last updated: Jan 1, 2025

Parks Near Shining Rock Wilderness

Cold Mountain Gameland
Canton Memorial Park
Sorrells Street Park
Waynesville Recreation Park
Waynesville Skate Park
Hazelwood Recreation Park
Waynesville Recreation Park
Chestnut Mountain Park
Clyde Park

Latest Check-ins at Shining Rock Wilderness

AnthonySep 29, 2023
Sep 29, 2023Hiking
wudzepJul 6, 2023
Jul 6, 2023Walking
JordanMar 18, 2023
Mar 18, 2023Hiking
Aug 10, 2024
Aug 10, 2024Walking
TracyJul 27, 2024
Jul 27, 2024Walking
May 29, 2021
May 29, 2021Walking
JeffJul 6, 2021
Jul 6, 2021Hiking
drowebyuJul 12, 2021
Jul 12, 2021Walking
*Latest check-in only shows the last 10 users. Only public activities are eligible. For any one park, a user can only check-in a maximum of once per day.

Total Check-ins at Shining Rock Wilderness

RankingCheck-ins
1
Tracy
1
Anthony
1
4wudzep
1
5Jordan
1
6drowebyu
1
7Jeff
1
8
1
*Leaderboard only shows top 10 users. Only public activities are eligible for leaderboards. For any one park, a user can only check-in a maximum of once per day.
Best Walking Routes in Shining Rock Wilderness
#1- Art Loeb Trail
1
Length: 29.4 milesEst. Time: 8h41m

Art Loeb Trail is a 29.4 mile (68,000-step) route located near Canton, North Carolina. This route has an elevation gain of about 4920 ft and is rated as hard. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#2- Ivestor Gap
1
Length: 1.8 milesEst. Time: 30m

Ivestor Gap is a 1.8 mile (4,000-step) route located near Canton, North Carolina. This route has an elevation gain of about 150.9 ft and is rated as easy. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#3- Bridges Camp Gap Trail
1
Length: 1.1 milesEst. Time: 19m

Bridges Camp Gap Trail is a 1.1 mile (2,500-step) route located near Canton, North Carolina. This route has an elevation gain of about 170.6 ft and is rated as medium. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#4- Graveyard Ridge Trail
1
Length: 1.9 milesEst. Time: 33m

Graveyard Ridge Trail is a 1.9 mile (4,500-step) route located near Canton, North Carolina. This route has an elevation gain of about 0 ft and is rated as easy. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#5- Big East Fork Trail
1
Length: 3.4 milesEst. Time: 58m

Big East Fork Trail is a 3.4 mile (8,000-step) route located near Canton, North Carolina. This route has an elevation gain of about 633 ft and is rated as medium. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#6- Greasy Cove Trail
1
Length: 1.9 milesEst. Time: 33m

Greasy Cove Trail is a 1.9 mile (4,500-step) route located near Canton, North Carolina. This route has an elevation gain of about 1111.9 ft and is rated as hard. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#7- Little East Fork Trail
1
Length: 0.4 milesEst. Time: 7m

Little East Fork Trail is a 0.4 mile (1,000-step) route located near Canton, North Carolina. This route has an elevation gain of about 0 ft and is rated as easy. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#8- Shining Creek Path
1
Length: 3.9 milesEst. Time: 1h6m

Shining Creek Path is a 3.9 mile (9,000-step) route located near Wolf Ford, North Carolina. This route has an elevation gain of about 2138.6 ft and is rated as hard. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#9- Ivestor Gap Trail
1
Length: 1.6 milesEst. Time: 27m

Ivestor Gap Trail is a 1.6 mile (3,500-step) route located near Canton, North Carolina. This route has an elevation gain of about 98.4 ft and is rated as easy. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#10- Grassy Cove Top
1
Length: 0.4 milesEst. Time: 7m

Grassy Cove Top is a 0.4 mile (1,000-step) route located near Canton, North Carolina. This route has an elevation gain of about 173.8 ft and is rated as hard. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#11- Old Butt Knob Trail
1
Length: 3.5 milesEst. Time: 59m

Old Butt Knob Trail is a 3.5 mile (8,000-step) route located near Canton, North Carolina. This route has an elevation gain of about 2200.9 ft and is rated as hard. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#12- Cold Mountain Trail
1
Length: 1.4 milesEst. Time: 23m

Cold Mountain Trail is a 1.4 mile (3,000-step) route located near Canton, North Carolina. This route has an elevation gain of about 810.2 ft and is rated as hard. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#13- Little East Fork Trail
1
Length: 4.9 milesEst. Time: 1h42m

Little East Fork Trail is a 4.9 mile (11,000-step) route located near Canton, North Carolina. This route has an elevation gain of about 62.3 ft and is rated as easy. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#14- Little East Fork Trail
1
Length: 0.4 milesEst. Time: 7m

Little East Fork Trail is a 0.4 mile (1,000-step) route located near Canton, North Carolina. This route has an elevation gain of about 0 ft and is rated as easy. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#15- Shining Creek Path
1
Length: 3.9 milesEst. Time: 1h6m

Shining Creek Path is a 3.9 mile (9,000-step) route located near Wolf Ford, North Carolina. This route has an elevation gain of about 2138.6 ft and is rated as hard. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#16- Old Butt Knob Trail
1
Length: 3.5 milesEst. Time: 59m

Old Butt Knob Trail is a 3.5 mile (8,000-step) route located near Canton, North Carolina. This route has an elevation gain of about 2200.9 ft and is rated as hard. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#17- Fork Mountain Trail
1
Length: 6.8 milesEst. Time: 1h28m

Fork Mountain Trail is a 6.8 mile (16,000-step) route located near Canton, North Carolina. This route has an elevation gain of about 150.9 ft and is rated as medium. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#18- Art Loed Trail
1
Length: 4.5 milesEst. Time: 1h36m

Art Loed Trail is a 4.5 mile (10,000-step) route located near Canton, North Carolina. This route has an elevation gain of about 213.2 ft and is rated as easy. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#19- Greasy Cove Trail
1
Length: 3 milesEst. Time: 51m

Greasy Cove Trail is a 3 mile (7,000-step) route located near Canton, North Carolina. This route has an elevation gain of about 1554.7 ft and is rated as hard. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

pacer

Pacer Walking App

Pacer is the best walking app for walking challenges and finding places to walk near me.

Open in App
pacer logoclose icon