A great hike I took in early December 2005. If you are wondering, yes, this is "the" Cold Mountain. It was made famous in the bestselling novel by Charles Frazier and later the hollywood movie. This hike climbs almost 3000 feet from Camp Daniel Boone to the summit at 6030'.
As you get higher the 5800' Lickstone Ridge is visible through the trees to the west - 4420'
There was more ice along the streams higher up. I just thought this leaf encased in ice was interesting - 4550'
The trail was grinding on me and I had to take a breather less than a quarter mile from Deep Gap. If I read my topo map correctly I think this is a view of Cold Spring Knob(5930') and the Lickstone Ridge - 4880'
The Art Loeb as it approaches Deep Gap does get quite rocky but this section was especially rough - 4650'
The Art Loeb Trail finally gains the ridge at Deep Gap. Here the Art Loeb turns right(south) and the Cold Mountain Trail heads left(north) - 5020'
At Deep Gap the Art Loeb Trail heads south beyond the downed tree in the center of the photo - 5040'
The start of the Cold Mountain Trail as it heads north from Deep Gap - 5040'
Once on the ridge you get views to the east. Mt. Pisgah(5721') is the pointed peak in the center - 5280'
In Shining Rock Wilderness you are hard pressed to find a blaze on a tree or a trail sign but here, near the summit of Cold Mountain, a piece of PVC has been installed in the rock to assist in getting water from a small spring - 5600'
As you ascend the ridge you get glimpses through the trees up to the rocky summit ridge - 5300'
in this box:
New comment: Requires approval