The Big East Fork trail alone is a beautiful and easy hike that follows the east fork of the Pigeon River. Combine this trail with a few others for an epic loop through the Shining Rock Wilderness and the Graveyard Ridge.
You’ll start the hike at the Big East Fork Parking area. This trail is relatively flat, easy to follow and offers amazing views of the river the entire 3.5 mile trail. You’ll pass numerous cascades of all sizes and see large waterfalls feeding in to the river along the way. A few sections of the trail leave the woods and follow the rock faces that contour directly along the river. This trail ends at the intersection with the Bridges Camp Gap Trail and the Greasy Cove Trail.
Crossing the river here to reach the Greasy Cove Trail can be a challenge depending on water levels. In very low water you can to rock hop across, but in normal conditions and higher water it can be a boots off crossing. Trekking poles come in handy on this section during higher water. The Greasy Cove Trail is the only significant uphill portion of this loop hike. After climbing around 3 miles you’ll top out and connect to the Graveyard Ridge Trail.
You’ll start the gentle descent on the Graveyard Ridge Trail, taking in views of the surrounding mountains and balds. At a little under two miles, this section eases you back down the ridge towards Graveyard Fields and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Continue until you reach the intersection with the Mountains to Sea trail and Graveyard Fields trail and take the MST to continue the loop. You’ll pass a few other side trails leading back in to Graveyard Fields but follow the MST trail down.
After 3.5 miles of hiking the Mountains to Sea trail, you will reach Skinny Dip Falls. A popular swimming hole in the summer months, take satisfaction in knowing you have reached this spot in the most difficult way possible. Continue across the bridge and up the trail, passing a short spur trail to the Blue Ridge Parkway at the Looking Glass Rock overlook (MP417).
After continuing on the MST for 1.5 miles past Skinny Dip falls, you’ll connect with the Bridges Camp Gap trail to continue back down to the Big East Fork Trail, at the same intersection where you crossed the river heading up to Greasy Cove. Continue back down the Big East Fork Trail retracing your steps. I did this loop as a day hike, but it would probably be more enjoyable as an overnight or multi-day trip. This is a wilderness area. You are responsible for yourself and your safety. Take a map and compass and know how to use them. Bear canisters are required in the Shining Rock Wilderness and overnight camping is currently prohibited at Graveyard Fields (bears). Don’t become this person.
Latitude/Longitude 35.36585155609548, -82.81705275700712
Graveyard Ridge Trail intersection 35.34448/-82.86224
MST Trail Intersection 35.32913/-82.86645
Graveyard Fields Lower Falls Intersection 35.32377/-82.84492
Skinny Dip Falls 35.32258/-82.83371
Bridges Camp Gap Trail Intersection 35.32481/-82.82664
This trail is rated MODERATE. While it is a long loop (17.5 miles) the majority of this trail is flat or downhill. Trails in the Shining Rock Wilderness are not blazed or signed. There are some signs at trail intersections.
I love your writing style; clear, succinct, and interesting. Thanks for the trip. I remembering hiking up to the Graveyard Fields ridge for a day long walk-a-bout to prepare for my Vision Quest in 1994 when you were 12 years old.