Cold Mountain Out-and-Back

Dogs Leashed

Features Fall Colors · Views

This is a great climb that follows the Art Loeb before splitting off to reach the summit of Cold Mountain for spectacular views of the surrounding area.

Parking can be a bit tight on busy fall weekends, given the views from the top.

Footing can be daunting on the way down from Cold Mountain. You'll be able to gauge your comfort level with the downrun as you climb.

Start at the TH for Art Loeb and begin climbing. You'll mix climbing with some flatter sections, will cross some streams, and will have access to some all-around lovely terrain. You'll be working towards a ridgeline, which you'll hit about 3.5 miles in.

Once the trail flattens out at the ridgeline, Art Loeb takes a turn to the right and the Cold Mountain Trail continues to the left. There is some steep climbing along this section.

Once you reach the summit, turn around and head back. The trail just keeps getting smaller and harder to navigate without offering any reward, if you continue to push forward.