Hiking the Shining Rock & Middle Prong Wildernesses

In his new hiking and natural history guide, Tim Homan leads fellow hikers along a network of 34 trails and trail sections. This 100-mile network winds through the North Carolina high country (ten peaks over 6,000 feet) of two wildernessesShining Rock and Middle Prongand the Blue Ridge Parkway corridor south of both wildernesses. The trail network also includes a pocket of nonwildernessPisgah National Forest land between the parkway and the Shining Rock Wilderness. Following an informative introduction to the area, Homan provides detailed, in-depth trail narratives. The trail system is divided into six chapters that group trails according to regional cohesion and connectivity. Each chapter begins with a topographic trail map. A header providing essential facts such as trail length and difficulty, access points, junctions, and distinctive features introduces each trail or trail section. Extensive nature notes including species profiles, bloom dates for numerous wildflowers, and black and white botanical drawings frequently follow the in-depth trail narratives. Easy-to-follow directions usher you to the exact trailhead or interior junction.