Are dogs allowed on Shining Creek-Old Butt Knob Loop Trail?

Yes, dogs are allowed on Shining Creek-Old Butt Knob Loop Trail but must be kept on a leash at all times. Pack out waste and respect wildlife.

Do I need a permit to hike Shining Creek-Old Butt Knob Loop Trail?

No, Shining Creek-Old Butt Knob Loop Trail does not currently require a permit. Still check for seasonal closures or day-use fees with the managing agency before heading out.

How difficult is Shining Creek-Old Butt Knob Loop Trail?

Shining Creek-Old Butt Knob Loop Trail is rated difficult. It is 8.3 miles long with 3,130 feet of elevation gain. Difficulty ratings reflect a combination of distance, elevation gain, and terrain — your experience will depend on your fitness level and trail conditions.

Is Shining Creek-Old Butt Knob Loop Trail suitable for kids?

Shining Creek-Old Butt Knob Loop Trail is not typically recommended for young children due to length, exposure, or technical terrain. Older kids with hiking experience may be fine — use your judgment based on your family's comfort level.

Status unknown — verify before visiting

We don't have current condition data for this trail. Check with the land manager before you go.

See North Carolina trail conditions

Shining Creek-Old Butt Knob Loop Trail route map

DifficultLoop

North Carolina

Shining Creek-Old Butt Knob Loop Trail

Canton, North Carolina

8.3 mi

Distance

3,130 ft

Elev. Gain

4h 13m

Est. Time

Loop

Route Type

Difficult

Difficulty

About This Trail

Imported description

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.

Trail Conditions

Unknown

We have no current condition data for this trail. Check with the operator before you go, and submit a report below if you've been recently.

No recent condition reports. Be the first to share what you see on the trail.

Elevation Profile

Min:1,046 ft

Max:1,825 ft

954 ft

Trail Details

Dogs on leash

Route Type: Loop
Surface: Dirt

Official sources & verification

We don't have curated agency sources for this trail in our cache yet. Outdoors is not the permitting authority — confirm conditions, permits, and access with the managing agency before you go. If you know who manages this trail, please tell us.

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Legacy import — verify before navigating

Path geometry came from our pre-launch legacy database. Routes have not yet been re-verified against the operator and may differ from the actual trail.