Middle Prong to Shining Rock Wilderness with Owen (Dec 2021)

Owen wanted to hike the "hills" of North Carolina and gave me carte blanche when it came to planning the trail. Everything I asked about he said, "Sounds great." So I went with it! Back to the ole' Green Mountain Trail for a big 30 mile loop. We dropped Owen's vehicle off at Black Balsam Knob TH, just in case of any incidents and I parked my vehicle at the Sunburst Camping area. It's a good thing we did, as Bobo appeared sore on the 2nd night so we called the trip a little short and hiked the Ivestor Gap Trail (instead of Fork Mountain Trail) back to Owen's car to end the trip.
0:00 Sunburst Campground / Green Mountain TH
9:53 Owen realizes I created the loop to purposefully hike Green Knob
11:33 MST water source
13:44 Flat Laurel Creek
18:50 Sams Knob
21:00 Sunset from Sams Knob
22:37 Day 2 starts
25:02 Flat Laurel Creek to MST
28:33 Black Balsam Knob
30:11 Tennent Mountain
32:30 Flower Gap
34:12 Shining Rock Creek
35:34 Shining Rock
36:16 Shining Rock Campsite
38:09 Sunset
39:00 Day 3 starts
39:36 Pack time for Bobo
40:03 Clouds and sun over Black Balsam Knob
Total Miles: 27

[@fernandojuarez1603]

Really awesome video! Great job getting all the sunsets. Loved the top of Sam's Knob. Done the ALT and hiked that area. Can't wait to revisit. Beautiful.

[@markwthompson71]

I'm glad you enjoyed it. It's a beautiful area! Just two days later I came back and hiked the ALT from Davidson Campground to Cold Mountain.

[@aaronjohnson4671]

Green Knob is no joke. That was the first hike that made my knees swell and I stopped just past the summit. A few months ago I passed the little site I think you're at around 28:25. It makes me want to get an Amok hammock so I can go back during the fall colors (or maybe snow) and look out over the edge at Graveyard Fields.

[@markwthompson71]

The first time I did it was with a 30+ lb pack. I wasn't a fan. I've gone back twice since then (in 2021) and almost enjoyed it. Dropping 15-20 lbs really helps one appreciate that climb :-)
If my memory serves correctly, that spot is on the MST/ALT about a mile or so West of the Black Balsam Knob Trail -- so many areas to hang and camp in there. Love the smell of fir all through there.

[@luckyotter623]

This needs more views.

[@markwthompson71]

Thanks! It sure was a fun trip!