We will be departing from Covenant Church Friday at 8AM and returning Sunday afternoon – the location is a “Shining Rock Wilderness Area in Transylvania County, North Carolina”. 

We will be leaving Covenant Friday at 8AM and return Sunday at approx. 3:30PM.  Yes, we will be stopping for a well-deserved lunch on the way home.  This will be a fun backpacking experience for our new Scouts and even for our experienced ones! Waterfalls, explore a high, alpinelike valley – Mark your calendars!                                                           

Trail Description:   Begin at a cool 5,100 ft. on the Graveyard Fields Loop Trail where we will see two waterfalls and explore a high, alpine like valley.   We will hike approx. 3.5 miles to our campsite on Friday.  On Saturday, we will hike approx. 4 miles to our second campsite and then on Sunday we will hike approx. 4 miles out to our cars before departure.  Our loop that we will hike combines several different trails which includes a section of the Loeb Trail with open vistas and the waving grasses of Black Balsam Knob at 6,218 ft.  (our highest point).  This view is among the best along the Blue Ridge Parkway -  North, the Mt. Mitchell range bulks beyond Asheville, with the High Country resort area and Grandfather Mountain beyond that.  The Smokies rise dramatically to the west.  This is a 360-degree panorama worthy of bringing your binoculars and a camera. 

No cost for the camping, but you will need to bring your own food and cooking gear -  it is advised that you pair up with a partner to tent & cook with.  

Signups begin at tonight’s Troop Meeting, Mon., June 15th!