Old Butt Knob and Shining Creek loop - Shining Rock Wilderness, NC

[@KeeFrHikes]

14:00 these views are amazing. I love watching the Peakbagging videos. Keep up the great work.

[@bigzach322]

Thanks, it's fun revisiting areas I haven't been to in years. Might be back in this area this weekend.

[@KeeFrHikes]

Zachary Robbins one of my good friends is backpacking there as we speak. I’m jealous of you both. Have fun!

[@hi-techhikers]

Great Video as always. Bring back memories when we hiked up Old Butt to Shining Rock. Enjoyed seeing the views again. Thank You for Sharing

[@bigzach322]

I hadn't there in years so it also brought up a bunch of old memories. It is a spectacular area.

[@peteandtessTube]

Outstanding video with informative interesting dialog. Great Job! We plan to do an out and back on Old Butt this morning and your video was extremely helpful. Thanks!

[@bigzach322]

Thanks Pete, I hope it was helpful on your hike.

[@peteandtessTube]

Yes, your video helped a lot. It was quite a challenging day for us. ridewithgps.com/trips/50374740#photos/8344917 Which calls for even more admiration for your hiking strength and stamina.

[@bigzach322]

@@peteandtessTube Looks like you came across a few rattlesnakes, I'm surprised they were at those elevations.

[@JulieMoranNE111]

Really enjoyed this!

[@bigzach322]

Thanks Julie

[@commanderNSO]

I did not think you'd be able to see Bearwallow Mountain from there. It's one county over from where I live, so it's a go to short outing. I generally have decent bearings, but I do remember pointing out a line of mountains in the distance and stating that I believed they could be the Great Balsams, a buddy who is generally more knowledgeable than I didn't believe they were. One of my favorite things to do is to see if I can spot the Black Mountains from wherever I am.

[@bigzach322]

It's pretty easy to pick out Mt. Pisgah from Bearwallow Mountain, look for it next time you go. Then you can get your bearings and look for the mountains southwest of it. Bearwallow Mountain is tougher to pick out because it is close to Little Pisgah Mountain and Sugarloaf Mountain from this view.

[@luckyotter623]

I love the names of some of these peaks. I have to wonder what the story is behind Dog Loser Knob's name. It must have involved someone losing a dog on that mountaiin. Anyway, thanks for sharing this hike. I love the Shining Rock Wilderness and you covered a less popular area, which made it interesting. Btw, where can you pick up the USDA maps?

[@bigzach322]

This is the updated map, they should have it at most outdoor stores www.pisgahmapcompany.com/shop-trail-guides/shiningrock

[@steveyates1136]

NO FIRES RULE IS BEING IGNORED nice views of Mt Pisgah and Cold Mt

[@bigzach322]

I know, it's always been ignored, but I can't do anything about it.

[@BryanDeLay]

Another excellent video Zach. Such a beautiful area. I agree that Old Butt Knob Trail is not the steepest in the area, but the first 1.5 miles is bad steep. Years ago I camped on top of Shining Rock in the winter. It was 18 degrees that evening at camp with a strong wind. Never understood why the book was named Cold Mountain, when Shining Rock is so much better than Cold Mountain. Keep up the good videos.

[@bigzach322]

I wouldn't say it's the steepest at all, but I've seen it listed as one of the toughest trails in multiple books. It isn't close to many others I've hiked. It probably gets that reputation because it is hiked more often due to its access. Shining Rock is definitely a cooler peak, but Cold Mountain looks very impressive from most angles. It has a more distinctive summit, so maybe that's why the book was named after it.

[@WayOffTheTrail]

Awesome loop. Shining Rock looks a little like Dolly Sods, but on steroids, with the views and rocks. On my list! Disappointingly, Old Butt Knob looks nothing like an old butt, and I should know. LOL

[@WayOffTheTrail]

Oh yeah, what kind of phone are you recording this on? Nice zoom.

[@bigzach322]

LG G6

[@bigzach322]

It's definitely taller than Dolly Sods, but Dolly Sods is so much larger. These are just a couple of rounded peaks while that is an entire plateau.

[@WayOffTheTrail]

I had an LG4 until it died suddenly...dunno if I trust them any more. It had a great camera though...maybe they've gotten better as far as durability. Still looking around....

[@bigzach322]

Mine has been fine. The new model compared favorably to Samsung and HTC according to many tech websites. I like the G6 because it has two lenses, one wide angle which is great for video.

[@steveyates1136]

17 minutes in is the shining rock and the gap/