Old Butt Knob, Dog Loser Knob, and Shining Creek Trail Loop in the Shining Rock Wilderness - Pisgah National Forest - Canton, NC
“Life does not come with instructions on how to live, but it does come with trees, sunsets, smiles, and laughter, so enjoy your day.” - Debbie Shapiro
“We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” - Winston Churchill
The Story -
On a beautiful morning in late April, my sister Stacy and I hiked ten strenuous miles on the arduous and rugged Old Butt Knob and the Shining Creek Trails in the Shining Rock Wilderness Area. Combining the two trails made for a very difficult day hike, yet it allowed us to experience numerous scenic overlooks on the way up as well as witness hundreds of vigorous cascades along the way back.
What’s That Name Again? -
Yes, Old Butt Knob and Dog Loser Knob are unique and somewhat funny names, especially for the teenage boy within me. Yet all jokes aside, I was curious how each got their very distinctive names. Since my research didn’t yield any answers, I’ll propose a little-known philosophical theory called Occam’s Razor for consideration.
Occam’s Razor plainly states that the simplest explanation is usually always the best. After several hours of hiking the difficult and jagged terrain of the Old Butt Trail, I believe the simplest and best explanation for its name is that it’s a reference to how you could end up on your “old butt” on the trail if not careful. Another amusing idea is that it could be named after a former elderly and ill-mannered person who owned the land long ago. Both are very viable, and while I didn’t meet or see any signs of an obnoxious old man, I may or may not have landed on my rear several times.
Following that same theory on Lost Dog Knob, I truly hope no dogs have been lost on the trail 😂
Spill The Tea -
Parking at the Shining Creek Trailhead on NC Highway 276, we hiked south for about a mile along the East Fork of the Pigeon River before meeting up with the Old Butt Knob Trail. Walking next to the rocky river's fast-flowing water was an excellent introduction and warm-up to the uneven terrain would we be exploring during the day. Shortly after a rock hop crossing the river, we took the Old Butt Knob Trail and immediately started our steep ascent up Chestnut Ridge. It didn’t take our legs and lungs very long to feel the effects of the severe vertical climb, scaling an incredible 1,400 feet in less than a mile before leveling out just above the 5,000-foot elevation contour.
We took our time, walking at about a third of our normal pace, stopping on numerous occasions to catch our breath and admire the many scenic overlooks along the way, including Old Butt Knob, Dog Loser Knob, Beech Spring Gap, and Shining Rock Overlook. And while the elevation gain over the short distance at the beginning of the Old Butt Trail was very difficult, our climb surprisingly was not over, it was just spread out over a longer distance before eventually reaching over 6000 feet.
Add Some Cream and Sugar -
Shortly after the Shining Rock Overlook, the Old Butt Trail ends at Shining Rock Gap at an intersection with three other trails including the renowned Art Loeb, Ivestor Gap, East Fork, and Shining Creek Trails.
We opted for the Shining Creek Trail to complete a loop back to the parking area. The trail follows Shining Creek, which is in visible the whole way, and drops 3000 feet in a little over four miles. The cold and fast-flowing water is pristine and the creek features literally thousands of rocky and rugged cascades. Sometimes the trail is high above the creek, and other times you are immersed in it, having to cross countless unmarked tributaries over stones or logs. There are plenty of wonderful spots to stop for a swim or perhaps soak your burning feet in an attempt to soothe your aching legs. It is truly difficult, rugged, untamed, unkempt, and yet magical.
Wrap It Up -
If you're looking for a challenging and rewarding hike in North Carolina, the Old Butt Knob and Shining Creek Trail Loop in the Shining Rock Wilderness area is definitely worth checking out. With its steep inclines, rugged terrain, pristine water, spectacular cascades, and stunning vistas, this trail is a favorite among hikers who want to test their skills and enjoy some of the best scenery the state has to offer. And despite the immense difficulty, it is incredibly rewarding. Please note that this trail is not for beginners or for those looking for a gentle stroll in the woods. For those who do accept the challenge, however, it will surely leave a lasting impression and provide memories that will last a lifetime.
Sassafras and Skinks