Cold Mountain via Art Loeb Trail (from Daniel Boone Scout Camp)(edit)

based on 79 tracks & routes | |

DIFFICULT

#1 hike out of 34 in Shining Rock Wilderness |

DIFFICULT

10.0 mi

Distance

4 hrs 31 min

Time

2,675 ft

Elev Gain

Overview

This is a challenging and beautiful hike in the Shining Rock Wilderness, and it is the shortest route to summit Cold Mtn by far.

From the Art Loeb Trailhead at Daniel Boone Scout Camp, you will make a steep 4 miles ascent up to Deep Gap. Most of this is under dense forest canopy, with a few view spots and pretty rock-hops across streams. The trail is generally in good shape, though there are some rugged sections.

At Deep Gap, the Art Loeb turns right along the ridgeline to the South. You will instead turn left on the spur trail to Cold Mtn. Because this is a Wilderness Area, the trails are not signed, so be careful to locate this intersection both climbing and on the return.
The trail to Cold Mtn is another 1.5 miles of fairly steep climbing, but you will be rewarded by several spots near the summit with fantastic views of the Shining Rock Ledge and the surrounding mountains. If you look carefully, you'll find some rock outcrops that make an excellent spot for lunch with a view.

Getting Started

The Art Loeb Trailhead is located along the road at the back side of Camp Daniel Boone here: https://goo.gl/maps/nqoGoditv7p
Be sure to respect all parking signs, and be aware of the rules for hiking in the Wilderness area (e.g., 10 person limit).

Rate this Hike

★★★★★

wingertchristina 1 year, 5 months ago

The trail could have been more well maintained. It was covered over with leaves and fallen down trees so it was often very hard to follow. It is only marked on the way back as well making it very difficult to navigate. The time estimate here is very inaccurate it took about 4 hours one way without even reaching the top. The trail is very deep in the woods with few spots where you can see the view. There were signs of recent bear sightings as well. Overall, probably wouldn’t do it again.

★ ★ ★

the Grinch 3 years, 7 months ago

This trail is very well maintained. I assume the Boy Scouts have a lot to do with this. Hiked this directly after Hurricane Sally remnants and trail was not “sloppy” like most in Pisgah area. Easily navigated plenty of water along way. Lots of fungus especially some nice reishi growing off an oak blowdown that trail maintenance had sawn thru. Wildflowers in abundance as well but not so many blueberries. I have 11.5 miles for distance. With a clear trail the whole way I would rate as moderate.

★ ★ ★ ★

Kelsey 4 years, 9 months ago

Great hike, close to town, easy to navigate, with a rewarding view. There are toilets and hand washing in the camp right past the bridge just beyond the trail head. Not great for running, since it's covered, moderately rocky, slick, steep, and with downed trees. Many streams en route, bring a steri-pen. Glad we used Gaia- we got a few hundred feet down a trail offshoot on the way down and had to backtrack. Some bushwhacking near the summit but underneath a clear path. Is the view to the SE an old volcano crater?

★ ★ ★ ★ ★