Big Rock Spring–Shut-In Trail, 3 sights
8.7 mi · ▲ 1,927 ft · 3 hr 52 min
Big Rock Spring–Shut-In Trail, 3 sights is an 8.7-mile out-and-back near Antioch, NC. The route passes Garenflo Gap before reaching Big Rock Spring at the turnaround, 4.4 miles in. It climbs 1,927 ft, with sections as steep as 16% grade. It scores 88/100 on the Ambleway Wildness scale: genuinely wild.
Elevation
Getting there
Directions
Big Rock Spring–Shut-In Trail, 3 sights
8.7 mi · ▲ 1,927 ft · 3 hr 52 min
Elevation 1,814–3,700 ft
Out & Back
Trailhead: Shut-In Trail · 35.87548, -82.88439
Weather Sep 5: Overcast, high 89°F / low 71° · precip 11% · wind 3 mph · sunrise 7:07 AM · sunset 7:57 PM
- Start on Shut-In Trail, heading SW.
- 2 miPass Garenflo Gap.
- 50 ftSharp right onto Appalachian Trail, heading NW.
- 2.4 miBear right, heading E.
- 100 ftReach Big Rock Spring, then turn around and head back the way you came.
- 2.4 miSharp left onto Shut-In Trail, heading NW.
- 1.9 miArrive back at the trailhead.
Each distance is the walk from the previous step. Tap a step for a map of its junction.
Weather
Sunset
The best sunset spot on this hike is 3.7 mi in (~135 min). Leave by 5:21 PM for the 7:57 PM sunset. Back at your car by 9:43 PM, after dark — bring a headlamp.
More from Shut-In Trail Trailhead
- Gragg Gap & Shut-In Trail via Appalachian Trail 10.6 mi · ▲ 1,910 ft
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Hikes near Antioch, North Carolina