Cold Mountain is a classic North Carolina hiking right of passage. At 6030′, the summit of Cold Mountain is the highest point in the Shining Rock Wilderness and a challenge to reach no matter what route you take.
The “shortest” way to get there is a 10.5 mile trek that starts from the Northern terminus of the Art Loeb Trail at Camp Daniel Boone. Following the trail as it winds back around the mountains and climbs the ridge, you will cross several streams, walk through mossy boulder fields, open woods and laurel tunnels. If you look closely you’ll also see long forgotten forestry roads that are now only traveled by animals. The trail here isn’t too steep in most places, but it is a consistent climb for 3.8 miles until you reach the popular Deep Gap campsite, where the Cold Mountain trail splits off and the Art Loeb continues South for roughly another 26 miles to reach the Davidson River.
Steep in places and rocky and covered in roots, the Cold Mountain spur climbs for another 1.5 miles past several springs and a few campsites. You will start to notice the views opening up around you as you climb the ridge. Soon the trail levels out, leaving you just a short walk to what I personally think is perhaps one of the finest and most hard won views in Western NC. On a clear day you’ll stand in awe of endless mountains that fall away below you. You’ll have climbed roughly 2800′ to reach this spot, and you’ll head down the same way you came, taking care on the uneven terrain. A challenging hike that takes commitment, Cold Mountain should be a bucket list hike for anyone visiting the Shining Rock Wilderness and the Pisgah National Forest.