Mount Pleasant National Scenic Area, George Washington National Forest, VA - Cold/Cole Mountain 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

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 You can either park at the lot above or the Appalachian Trail lot you pass on the way:

The only difference is a .30 mile gravel road walk at the beginning or at the end of the hike because the hike starts at the far parking lot and ends at the A.T. parking lot.  For this hike I parked in the A.T. lot and did the gravel road walk at the beginning.

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

HIKE DISTANCE:  5.80 miles
This hike can be done in conjunction with the Mount Pleasant Loop for a 12 mile hike.

HIKE DESCRIPTION:

The trail takes you through beautiful pine forests.

According to "Wild Virginia" this is a Civil War-era stone fence.

Cowcamp Gap Shelter

The Hotel Trail ends at the white-blazed Appalachian Trail shortly after the Cowcamp Gap Shelter.  The Appalachian Trail switchbacks up with views along the way

There were some nice break spots at the views:

Then at the top of Cold Mountain, come to a bald stretch of about 1/2 mile with views all around.  The pictures to not do it justice.  You have to be there to see how spectacular it really is.

HIKE SUMMARY:
[ 0.00]  From A.T. parking lot continue walking along gravel road
[ 0.20]  Right on blue-blazed trail leaving gravel road
[ 0.30]  Turn right at the intersection on the Hotel Trail and cross the horse fence.
[ 1.15]  Turn right at fork
[ 1.40]  Trail continues to the right on the right side of the fire pit
[ 2.15]  At clearing bear right at the fork
[ 2.75]  Rock hop over creek
[ 2.85]  Cowcamp Gap shelter on right; left at intersection towards Appalachian Trail
[ 3.35]  Turn right on the white-blazed Appalachian Trail; trail switchbacks up with views
[ 4.40]  Begin to cross bald
[ 4.95]  Leaving bald
[ 5.15]  AT leave woods road as footpath to the left
[ 5.50]  Cross over woods road
[ 5.80]  Right on gravel road to parking

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