Shining Rock facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Shining Rock |
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Shining Rock viewed from the Blue Ridge Parkway
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 6,040 ft (1,840 m) |
| Prominence | 320 ft (98 m) |
| Geography | |
| Location | Haywood County, North Carolina, U.S. |
| Parent range | Great Balsam Mountains |
| Topo map | USGS Shining Rock |
| Climbing | |
| Easiest route | Hike |
Shining Rock is a cool mountain located in western North Carolina, United States. It's part of the Great Balsam Mountains, which are themselves a section of the huge Blue Ridge Mountains. These mountains are all part of the even bigger Appalachian Mountains chain! Shining Rock is quite tall, ranking as the 38th highest mountain in the eastern United States.
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Where is Shining Rock Located?
This special mountain sits inside a protected area called the Shining Rock Wilderness. You can find it near milepost 420 on the famous Blue Ridge Parkway, a scenic road. A popular hiking path, the Art Loeb Trail, even goes right below its peak.
Why is it Called Shining Rock?
The mountain gets its unique name, Shining Rock, from the large, bright white rocks near its top. These rocks are made of a material called quartzite, which sparkles in the sun! Imagine seeing a mountain peak that looks like it's shining.
The Legend of Shining Rock: Cherokee Stories
Long ago, the Cherokee people lived in this area. They have many interesting stories about the land. According to James Mooney, a person who studied Cherokee culture, the Cherokee name for Shining Rock is Datsu'nălâsgûñ'yĭ. This name means "where their tracks are this way."
This name refers to a special rock on the mountain. It is said to have tracks from a giant named Tsul 'Kalu and his children. Tsul 'Kalu was a very important figure in Cherokee legends. He was known as the "Great Lord of the Game" and was believed to control all the animals in the mountains.
Shining Rock vs. Judaculla Rock
It's easy to get Shining Rock confused with another famous rock in Cherokee lore, called Judaculla Rock. Judaculla Rock is located south of the Blue Ridge Parkway. It has ancient carvings, called petroglyphs, on its surface.
The confusion happens because "Judaculla" is a different way of saying "Tsul 'Kalu." So, both rocks are connected to the legend of Tsul 'Kalu, but they are two different places with their own unique stories. Shining Rock has the legendary tracks, while Judaculla Rock has the ancient carvings.
See also
