Mount Pleasant Loop

From the Mount Pleasant Parking Area, take the blue blazed Pompey Mountain Trail that is just beyond the horse gate. As it's a loop, you can start at either entrance, but I prefer heading left to get the longer leg of the hike before the summit (always better to have an easy journey down in the am). At mile 2.5, you will intersect with the Henry Lanum Memorial Trail and there is a sign for the summit of Mount Pleasant.

There are also places to camp in this area if you prefer to not camp near the summit or all those spots are taken. It's .5 miles to the summit and some of the prettiest backcountry campsites in Virginia. There are three sites up there, all with small rocky fire pits. Going during the week, I was the only one there hiking and camping.

Near the summit, there are two lookouts -- one east facing and one west facing. Turn left for east, and right for west. The two lookouts are one of my favorite things about backpacking to this spot. The next morning, or when you are done enjoying the view, just head down to the intersection of Henry Lanum Memorial Trail and head left to complete the 6.15 mile loop. If you want, you can combine this trail with Cole Mountain for a 12 mile trip.

The Mount Pleasant Scenic Area is part of the George Washington National Forest, and does not require any passes or permits for entrance, camping, or hiking. This is a pretty off the radar area, but be warned that Boy Scouts do bring their troops here, but they camp near the parking area and not near the summit. Enjoy this little known gem!