Shining Creek Path to Little East Fork Trail is a 17.3 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Canton, North Carolina that features a river and is rated as moderate. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round. Dogs and horses are also able to use this trail.
dog friendly
backpacking
birding
nature trips
walking
horseback riding
river
views
wild flowers
wildlife
scramble
washed out
Did this trail Memorial Day weekend 2016 as part of a counter-clockwise Scout Camp Loop. This was a nice steady climb along the river, with some nice views of the water. This is a much easier trail to get up to the Shining Rock Ledge with a full pack than taking the Art Loeb Trail up from Daniel Boone Scout Camp.
Note that Bear Canisters are now required for food storage when camping in this area. This is definitely warranted, as we had a persistent bear we had to keep chasing away from our campsite at Shining Rock Gap. With food stowed properly at night, though, we did not have any problems.