Cole Mountain Hike - 6 miles (Moderately Strenuous)

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Cole (sometimes called 'Cold') Mountain Circuit Hike

Can't make it to "Max Patch" or the great grassy bald mountains near Roan Mountain (Round Bald, Jane Bald, Hump Mountain...) - this 6 mile hike in George Washington National Forest offers a slice of the same 360 degree mountain meadow views - without driving to Tennessee/North Carolina.

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The hike will start at Hog Camp Gap, where we will hike out on Old Hotel Trail for 3.5 miles. Along Hotel Trail, we will pass a fabulous camp site, make a creek crossing and then stop for lunch at Cow Camp Gap Shelter. Connecting to the Appalachian Trail North, the next mile will make us work for the upcoming views, as we will cover about 1,000 feet of the hikes total 1,350 feet of elevation gain in this stretch. Approaching Cole Mountain, the trail opens up to great views and a section of trail that is much different than our green canopy (tunnel) hikes in Shenandoah National Park. The hike will conclude with a easy down hill section back to our cars at Hog Camp Gap.

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In addition to the wide open meadow views, the trail itself is diverse going from pine forest to vast stretches of fern...

Difficulty: moderately strenuous

Note on difficulty: This hike will have approximately 1,350' of elevation gain, the majority being in the mile beyond the Shelter. Not an easy climb, but rewarding...

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Where: For those wanting to carpool and/or caravan out together, we will meet at Barracks Road Shopping Center in front of Great Outdoor Provision Co. We will depart Barracks Road no later than 9:15 a.m - please arrive by 9:00 so that we can figure out who is riding with whom. From Barracks Road, we will be heading South on 29, where we will turn right onto US-60 towards Amherst. Continue on 60 for approximately 18 miles and turn right on Coffeytown Road/Hwy 634 (this will be just a little bit beyond a picnic/rest area on your right). In 1.6 miles keep right onto Wiggins Spring Road (Hwy 755 towards Mount Pleasant). In 2.6 miles you will reach the parking area. Driving time is roughly 1:30 to 1:40.

PLEASE NOTE:

(1) My iPhone GPS/mapping did not work in this area... This is not a hard spot to find you just need to do your homework before you get on the road. I was able to get close to the parking area by putting the following address in my cars GPS: Wiggins Spring Road, Vesuvius, Virginia, 24483.

(2) The last section of road is gravel and bumpy in spots. I had no problem in my little SUV and parked along side a VW bug and mini-vans. That said, don't drive if your not comfortable with your ride kicking up some gravel and dust.

If you plan on driving directly to the trail head, please say so in the comment section, so that we are not waiting for you at the carpool. Please be at the Trail Head by 10:45.

Link to trailhead: Wiggins Road - Hog Camp Gap, Google Maps (https://goo.gl/maps/XxbszYEAowK2)

Fees & Such: Of course for the carpool to work, some have to offer to drive so others can ride. Riders, please give your driver $5.00 to cover their expenses. We are not in the Park, so passes are not needed.

Supplies: please bring plenty of water, proper hiking boots/shoes, sunscreen, lunch and snacks. Fall/winter hiking weather can be unpredictable - please bring warm layers and rain gear. If you are hiking with your dog, you will need to pack a lot of water for your pup as well - there are not many natural water sources on this trail. Trekking poles are recommended for this hike. We will be taking a nice break for lunch at Cow Camp Gap Shelter - so bring lunch and snacks...!

Disclaimer: GetHiking Charlottesville's Organizers are not professional guides. Expect the same risks and take the same precautions you would take if you were hiking alone.With your RSVP you agree with this disclaimer - Disclaimer (https://www.meetup.com/GetHiking-Charlottesville-Charlottesville-VA/pages/21088739/Disclaimer/)

Weather: If inclement weather necessitates canceling or postponing the hike, the decision will be made no later than 7:30 a.m. - cancellations will be posted on the hike comment section... Steady rain with not much chance for clearing and/or dangerous conditions will call for postponing the hike.

RSVP: If you find that you're not going to be able to attend the hike, please update your RSVP to "No" as soon as possible. This allows those on the waitlist to have the opportunity to attend.

Dog Policy: If you want to hike with your pup, please check out our - Dog Policy (https://www.meetup.com/GetHiking-Charlottesville-Charlottesville-VA/pages/22042321/Dog_Policy/) The simple basics are dogs need to be on a short (max 6', non-retractable - Park rule) leash, owners need to pick up after their dog, your pup will need plenty of drinking water, dogs need to be well behaved and capable of keeping up with the pace of the two legged hikers.

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