Shining Rock, Mountain summit in Haywood County, North Carolina, US
The peak rises to 6,040 feet above sea level in the Great Balsam Mountains range, displaying large white quartzite formations near its summit.
The mountain became part of the National Wilderness System in 1964, establishing itself as the center of North Carolina's largest wilderness area.
Cherokee people named the location Datsu'nălâsgûñ'yĭ, referring to tracks believed to belong to the mythological figure Tsul 'Kalu and his children.
Visitors access the summit through the Art Loeb Trail from milepost 420 of the Blue Ridge Parkway, requiring proper hiking equipment for the elevated terrain.
Three distinct trailheads lead to the wilderness area: Black Balsam, Big East Fork Pigeon River, and Camp Daniel Boone at Cold Mountain.
Location: North Carolina
GPS coordinates: 35.36816,-82.86235
Latest update: March 17, 2025 20:08
Sliding Rock
9.4 km
Cold Mountain
4.6 km
Looking Glass Falls
11.7 km
Black Balsam Knob
4.6 km
Art Loeb Trail
10 km
Looking Glass Rock
9.5 km
Mount Pisgah
11.5 km
Shining Rock Wilderness
2.2 km
Richland Balsam
11.6 km
Moore Cove Falls
9.9 km
Courthouse Falls
11.1 km
Slick Rock Falls
10.2 km
Middle Prong Wilderness
7.5 km
Tanasee Bald
9.9 km
Log Hollow Falls
7 km
Robinson Rock House Ruin and Plantation Site
16.7 km
Cedar Rock Falls
11.5 km
Francis Grist Mill
14.7 km
Dr. J. Howell Way House
17.6 km
Cradle of Forestry in America
7.8 km
Masonic Hall
17.7 km
Charles and Annie Quinlan House
17.6 km
Shelton House
17.1 km
Haywood County Courthouse
17.9 km
Alden and Thomasene Howell House
17.7 km
Former Citizens Bank and Trust Company Building
17.7 km
William Deaver House
17.8 km
Richland Balsam Overlook
11.8 kmReviews
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