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Backpacker Magazine – November 2008
Top 3 Night Hikes
These dark-sky treks serve up perfect viewing spots for autumn's intergalactic bling in North Carolina, New Mexico, and California
Shining Rock Wilderness, NC | Ventana Wilderness, CA | Pecos Wilderness, NM
With silvery shadows and spooky noises, night hiking lends even the most familiar trail a hint of danger and exoticism. But these three nocturnal treks into our backcountry's darkest zones will thrill you with the added spectacle of interplanetary storms, full moons, and other galactic bling.
Shining Rock Wilderness, NC
Catch an epic meteor shower.
Cold Mountain may be best known as the backdrop for the Civil War-era novel and movie of the same name, but you won't see anyone in hoop skirts on your way to its 6,030-foot summit. Between November 13 and 20, it's the best seat in the Smokies to view The Leonids, an intense meteor storm in the northern sky caused by intergalactic debris. The shower peaks on November 17, when 40 meteors per hour radiate from Leo (below the Big Dipper). From Big East Fork trailhead, take the Chestnut Ridge Trail 2.5 miles to the Art Loeb Trail and cruise four miles to Cold Mountain. Camp near the well-worn summit trail, and set your alarm for a midnight climb the last .5 mile to the top. (828-877-3265, cs.unca.edu/nfsnc)
Star Attraction
Revive at Papa's and Beer in Hendersonville with a kicking pumpkin-seed-and-habañero salsa. Try it on an omelette. (828) 692-9915
The way
From Asheville, take I-26 east to the Blue Ridge Parkway. Turn north, and at milepost 412, turn northwest on US 276. Travel 1.25 miles to Big East Fork Parking Area.
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READERS COMMENTS
Wendy, Night hiking is awesome. and I am sure that after a couple of washes your gear will be as good as new after all, it is outdoor gear and it is bound to get dirty. If not then you are not using is correctly.
Joe. No we had no Idea that there were other wilderness areas in New Mexico besides Pecos. thanks for enlightening us.
Posted: Nov 03, 2009 Ben Pattison
It is not Mt. Baldy in the Pecos Wilderness. I think they are writing about Santa Fe Baldy. The Truchas peaks are higher.
Posted: Dec 12, 2008 David
You do realize this area was completely devasted by wildfires this summer and is likely to have loose, ruined trails, downed and burnt trees, and a serious lack of foliage until the spring?? Walking around this area at night is likely to get you a twisted ankle and sooted stained clothes! It's wisest to stay out of the burned areas. Go south my friends.
Posted: Dec 11, 2008 wendy
Bah! I couldn't agree more about this info coming in late! someone probably just did the Carolina hike and then posted about it after the fact...
Posted: Dec 11, 2008 Mark
Bah! I couldn't agree more about this info coming in late! someone probably just did the Carolina hike and then posted about it after the fact...
Posted: Dec 11, 2008 Mark
Hey Tony, it was in the Oct issue.
Posted: Dec 11, 2008 peter
You guys do realize there are other wilderness areas in New Mexico besides Pecos, right?
Posted: Dec 10, 2008 Joe
woops, ventana is closed until spring.
Posted: Dec 10, 2008 nils
Just a heads up, This area is closed till spring due to fire damage.
Posted: Dec 10, 2008 nils
You should have sent this out in September or at least early November at least, both the Carolina and California say to go in November and it's December 10th! I was actually in the smokies during the meteor shower, but didn't know it, I just saw a few shooting stars! I could have done the night hike!
Posted: Dec 10, 2008 Tony
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