Date: Saturday, December 16
Time: Starting at 9:00 am
Difficulty: Strenuous (10+)
Cost: FREE for all participants, but pre-registration is required
Group Size: This hike is limited to 9 participants due to wilderness regulations. Claim your spot early!
Join SAHC for a venture into the Shining Rock Wilderness Area to summit the famous Cold Mountain, made popular by both Charles Frazier and Highland Brewing Company! Enjoy stunning views, including 815 acres protected by SAHC on Cold Mountain and in the Shining Rock area.
This strenuous 11-mile hike along the Art Loeb and Cold Mountain Trails will climb approximately 2,800 feet to reach the summit (6,030 ft. elevation). The Art Loeb trail switchbacks north around a ridge line, crossing several small streams and follows the contours up to Deep Gap where the climb to Cold Mountain begins.
This hike will not be for the faint of heart; a challenging, long day with snowy winter weather is to be expected but rewarding – Cold Mountain was named for a reason! High elevation and winter hiking experience is necessary, this hike is not for beginners. For more information, contact Emily at emily@appalachian.org or call 828.253.0095 ext. 205.
Hike difficulty ratings are based on this formula: (0.002 x elevation gain (ft.)) + round trip distance (mi.) = difficulty rating (1 – 10+)
Cold Mountain is a 6,030ft peak in the Shining Rock Wilderness, while not the highest peak in the Southern Appalachians it is certainly one of the most famous! Naturally, we were very excited to lead the Cold Mountain Challenge Hike again this year. Everything was set to go when the snow storm hit, it was not going to be possible for us to hike on our scheduled date. However, we decided “the hike must go on!” The group trekked up Cold Mountain this Saturday, December 16th and had a excellent time. Read more
