The Forest Service has closed the areas of Shining Rock and Graveyard Fields to over night camping.
If you are planning on hiking the Art Loeb this means there is no camping allowed north of the Blue Ridge Parkway.
In addition thye Flat Laurel Creek and Sam’s knob trails are part of this closure
Forest Service Closes Shining Rock and Graveyard Fields to Camping
Active as of 10/15/12
Pisgah Forest, N.C. — The U.S. Forest Service is closing the Shining Rock Wilderness and Graveyard Fields areas to overnight camping because of ongoing bear encounters with humans.
The areas will be closed to dispersed camping until further notice. The agency will monitor conditions to determine when it is safe to reopen the areas.
On Monday night, (10/16/12) a bear damaged a tent and food bag. Two people were in the tent at the time of the encounter, but no injuries were sustained. The encounter is the latest in a series of bear encounters in recent weeks.
Questions regarding the camping closure can be directed to the Pisgah Ranger District, 828-877-3265.
