Cole Mountain Loop

The large open meadow at the summit of Cole Mountain is a unique and breathtaking experience that is worth the 5.8 mile hike. Cole Mountain is frequently referred to as Cold Mountain, but the official name listed by the United States Geological Survey is the former. This hike is in the George Washington National Forest and starts a few miles north of Route 60 in Central Virginia.

The parking area is near the end of the trail (there are signs marking the Appalachian Trail), but you should begin the hike about 0.2 miles north, on the blue-blazed Hotel Trail. The Hotel Trail will take you past a campsite (after 1.3 miles) and a shelter with a nearby campsite and stream (after 3 miles). The trail is easy to navigate, as long as you follow the signs and look for the blue blazes. When you reach the trail junction about a half mile after the passing the shelter, be sure to turn left towards the Appalachian Trail. Shortly thereafter, turn right upon reaching the intersection with the Appalachian Trail.

Follow the white blazes for the next mile, passing two viewpoints of the surrounding mountains. When the trees open up, you will be greeted with large open meadows on the saddle and the summit of Cole Mountain. This is a great area for a picnic; a favorite spot for hikers to stop and enjoy the view is a standalone tree near the end of the meadow. Continue along the bald summit until you reenter the trees, then follow the Appalachian Trail for 0.6 miles down to the parking area.

If you’re looking to extend your hike, you can combine this with the nearby Mount Pleasant hike, which provides equally stunning mountain views with comparable distance and level of difficulty. Also worth noting, the final 2 miles of the drive to the parking area is on a rocky, unmaintained road. Use caution and consider taking a high clearance vehicle if possible.