Shining Creek-Old Butt Knob Loop Trail

The Shining Rock Wilderness Area is where this loop is located. Some trail junctions are hard to recognize. From the Big East Fork Trailhead, take the Shining Creek trail. The Art Loeb Trail is at the top of the ridge and you can go along the creek most of the way. You will see Shining Rock after about half a mile. Stay to the right and ascend the hill. You can find a faint trail on the right just past the trail that leads to the top of the rock. Turn on Old Butt Knob Trail. This junction may be hard to recognize. Continue down the trail to see the rock outcrops. Continue descending until you intersect with Shining Creek Trail. Turn left to return to the campsite.