Table Rock, North Carolina - Member Hike

Hike Name:	Table Rock, North Carolina
Country:	United States
State:	North Carolina
Nearby Town:	Linville
Rating:
Directions:	From I-40: US 64 East to NC 181 North. Make right onto NC 181. Make left onto Gingercake Road. Follow signs to Table Rock Picnic area.
Total Hike Distance:	11.00 miles
Hike Difficulty:	Moderate to Difficult
Permit Required:	No
Hike Type:	In & Out, Backtrack Hike
Hike Starts/Ends:	Table Rock picnic area.
Trails Used:	Shortoff Mountain trail Table Rock trail
Backcountry Campsites:	Yes
Backcountry Water Sources:	Springs
Management:	National Park Service
Contact Information:	Grandfather Ranger District Pisgah National Forest 109 East Lawing Drive Nebo, NC 28761 (828) 652-2144
Best Season:	Winter, Spring, Fall
Users:	Hikers, Dogs
Road Conditions:	Secondary Paved Roads, Maintained Gravel or Dirt Roads
Hike Summary:	Day 1-Shortoff Mountain trail: Starting from the south side of the parking area, we hiked past a camp area (0.1 mile there is no camping in the picnic area) through a forest of evergreens. At about 3/4 mile, the trees thinned out and you have a view of the gorge to the right and the Blue Ridge Mountains to the left. Straight ahead are the precariously placed Chimney Rocks, which look like a few stacks of.... you guessed it, chimney's. Once you past the Chimney's, you descend down to a saddle. At about 2 miles, there is a spur trail right (Cambric Branch Trail) that goes down to the river. Minus a few springs that may or may not be present, there are not many areas for getting water, so this may be a necessary side trip. Continuing straight on the Shortoff Trail, you see views of Shortoff Mountain. Then there is a steady climb for awhile. We turned around at this point. The return trip is strenuous as it steadily climbs upwards. Day 2-Table Rock Mountain Trail: Starting from the north side of the parking area, you start by climbing steadily up stone steps. There are views of the gorge to the left for the first 1/4 mile. The trail then turns right. This area is confusing as the trail continues straight (Little Table Rock Trail) as well. After a few feet, the trail turns right again. If you continue going towards the left you will go down the Mountain to Sea Trail. Follow the trail as it ascends switchbacks for the next 1.5 miles. The top is well worth the work as you have panoramic views of the gorge and Blue Ridge Mountains. On clear days, you can see Lake James, which is where the Linville River ends it's journey.