Sunday, April 24, 2011

Mount Pleasant National Scenic Area, George Washington National Forest, VA - Mount Pleasant Loop


ABOUT THE PARK:
Mount Pleasant National Scenic Area - USDA
Mount Pleasant National Scenic Area Hiking Trails - USDA

DIRECTIONS:
GPS Coordinates 37.759545, -79.190515

View Larger Map


TRAIL MAP:
National Geographic Map #789 Lexington/Blue Ridge Mountains Trail Map

HIKE DISTANCE:  6.15 miles
This hike can be done in conjunction with the Cole/Cold Mountain Loop for a 12 mile hike.

HIKE DESCRIPTION:
With your back to the gravel road you came in on, take the trail to the far left, the blue-blazed Pompey Mountain Trail, which begins at the horse gate.
Near the summit of Pompey Mountain, watch for an unmarked side trail to a rock outcropping with a limited view at the top of the rocks.
Follow the trail to the Mount Pleasant Summit with west and east overlooks.
The west overlook requires a short rock scramble to the views.
The east overlook:
Retrace your steps back to the intersection with the Henry Lanum Memorial Trail and follow the Henry Lanum Memorial Trail back to the parking lot crossing a scenic creek on your way down.

HIKE SUMMARY:
[ 0.00]  From the Mount Pleasant parking lot take the far left trail, the blue-blazed Pompey Mountain Trail, beyond horse fence
[ 0.70]  False summit of Pompey Mountain
[ 1.10]  Trail turns left when obviously unused trail goes right
[ 1.55]  Unofficial trail to left goes to limited views
[ 1.70]  After out and back to view, continue left on blue-blazed trail
[ 2.45]  At intersection with Henry Lanum Memorial Trail turn left to Mount Pleasant Summit
[ 3.05]  At sign turn right to West Overlook
[ 3.20]  Come to clearing, climb rocks on left to view; retrace steps
[ 3.35]  At intersection, continue straight to East Overlook
[ 3.45]  Keep right past several side trails on left to rock outcrop with views; retrace
[ 3.55]  At intersection turn right retracing back to Henry Lanum Memorial Trail
[ 4.15]  At intersection continue straight on Henry Lanum Memorial Trail
[ 5.00]  Turn left when unused trail comes in from right; rock hop over creek with waterfalls
[ 5.10]  Trails turns right when unused trail comes in from left
[ 6.15]  Arrive at Mount Pleasant parking lot

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