Eastern NC backpacking

[The Dude]

I'm looking for an area for a nice weekend backpacking/camping trip. Hike in, camp, hike out. Slightly secluded would be ideal. I know there's plenty of trails in the western part of the state, but dont want to drive 4+ hours.

Any suggestions? I'm near Smithfield.

 

[CZfool68]

Drive 4 hours.

Can't beat elevation for scenery and a workout. Flat is boring. In many endeavors.

 

[trcubed]

Yes, drive west. Time spent hiking in the mountains add to the length of your life.

 

[Amp Mangum]

Raven Rock is close by: https://www.ncparks.gov/raven-rock-state-park

 

[BurnedOutGeek]

Raven Rock is close by: https://www.ncparks.gov/raven-rock-state-park

That was going to my suggestion too. Or a little further to uwharrie.

 

[BurnedOutGeek]

The mountains are better and it's much cooler too.

 

[Elenaidan]

If you like to fight gators, skeeters, chiggers, and black bears.....
. Merchants Mill Pond. I used to go there whennthe weather would get cold. That is my favorite camping down east.

You can rent canoes and paddle to your campsite, hike from there. Return later in the evening and get a ripping fire going. This time of year it is beatiful, but you will pay a price. I think there are about 11-14 miles of hiking with backpack camp sites at designated areas. There is also car camp sites. Bird watching is great there and at the right time of year the migrating waterfowl are awesome.

This is one of the most scenic parks froma conoeing standpoint, so think about it. If you want to go after it gets cold enough to knock back the vermin gimme a shout, I have not been in a while.

 

[Curmudgeon]

Croatan National Forest has about 35 miles worth

 

[Long_Hunter]

That was going to my suggestion too. Or a little further to uwharrie.

If you can't make the mountains, I'll second Uwharrie...you can get plenty of up and down, plus take your favorite gold pan..."rich" history in those hills...and a squatch or two...and a nice range

 

[The Dude]

Drive 4 hours.

Can't beat elevation for scenery and a workout. Flat is boring. In many endeavors.

Took your advice and made the drive to Linville Gorge. You weren't wrong about the workout! Cabin trail down was friggen steep! The views and the swimming was well worth the effort.

Raven Rock is close by: https://www.ncparks.gov/raven-rock-state-park

Raven Rock is next on the list.

I did realize I need a newer/better pack. My water filter works though and a Jetboil almost makes it no fun it's so easy.

 

[CZfool68]

Took your advice and made the drive to Linville Gorge. You weren't wrong about the workout! Cabin trail down was friggen steep! The views and the swimming was well worth the effort.



Raven Rock is next on the list.

I did realize I need a newer/better pack. My water filter works though and a Jetboil almost makes it no fun it's so easy.

Very nice. I always tell myself I am going to find some good hikes near our place in W. Jefferson, but I'm usually too tired after working around the property for a hike. So I grab a beer and take the Gator for a spin up the hill. I really need to get some more walking in though.

 

[Curmudgeon]

If you want a real challenge then I recommend the Shining Rock Wilderness' Greasy Cove trail. It's absolutely deep back country, with some parts of the trail so steep that you have to hang onto the tress going down (or up). Actually, most of the trails there are great. The Art Loeb makes for some fine views and you can make it as long or short as you want.