Some SR logistics

[b_slow]

Hey everyone,

Just wondering about some of the before and after stuff for backpacking in the Shining Rock Wilderness. We'll be driving down from Madison (WI), and we'll probably get to the Pisgah area late in the day. Is there a good state park or other cheap camping area where we can conviniently crash for the night (and possibly the night after we hike out)? Also, there must be some restaurant that everyone goes to (maybe in Asheville?) after hiking out for their first "real food". Any recommendations? I'm particularly interested in the campground thing, but food is good too.

Thanks,
Bob
http://www.mountainworks.net

[brad nicholson]

many suggestions, if you come down from asheville to brevard before you head north to srw you will see one of the best little towns in nc; and most outdoor friendly. you can also come from the north along 276 from candler or down the blue ridge parkway. i suggest the brevard drive though, you can go into brevard, you will pass some beautiful waterfalls and the Pisgah Forest HQs.

...there are many places you can camp for free, need not pay the exorbiant rates the davidson river campground charges. not that i am recommending or saying this (or have i don it! :) ) but even on the way out if you want a "free shower" you just park in the main lot by davidson river and walk over to one of the showers...clean, easy, and free.

if you come down from asheville to brevard you will turn right on 276 to head north towards shining rock just before entering "downtown" Brevard. You will follow along the Davidson River and go past the Park HQs, the Campground, etc. When you see the exit for the Fishery just pull off and you can camp or sleep there. There are also other smaller sites but you would have to know the area to find them. If you pull off there you will see others doing the same, many bikers, kayakers, and climbers camp here as it is close to the drive to the trailhead for the Southface of Looking Glass Rock. The next day you can drive up 276 to the Parkway and then over to SRW. It is a gorgeous drive.

The real question is where do you plan on parking to get into the SRW? As an out-of-stater I assume you will go to the SRW Black Balsam parking lot. This is not a bad place and probably easier for you to find than Daniel Boone Boy-Scout Camp, my personal favorite place to park.

Have fun and let me know if you have any other questions. By the way, after your hike you need to eat at "The Clock of Brevard" you can't miss it. A great mom-and-pop hamburger place. Make sure you get your cheeseburger in the carolina style, with slaw and chili; a delicacy. I would say go to the Casey Jones Cafe, which was my favorite but the damned thing has been closed for awhile now.