Coldwater Mountain Loop (Exploratory) (Camino Training Hike 1)

As several of us are going to be hiking the Camino Portugués in the late spring and with numerous back to back to back big mileage days included in that journey, I thought it would be a good idea to plan a series of training hikes in preparation. These hikes are intended to be big mileage, but with only low to moderate elevation gain. While this series of hikes is intended for those training for the Camino, anyone is welcome to participate, assuming you are up to the challenge.

Most of you know my practices for hikes, but I'll repeat them here. This is NOT a guided hike and you are responsible for your own well-being and ability to complete the hike within the listed time. These are big mileage hikes at a brisk pace and if you don't hike regularly, I would strongly recommend against your participation.

We will be departing the trailhead at the posted time. Do not expect the group to wait for you if you are running late, though you are welcome to try and catch up with the group.

I will be monitoring the weather closely as the day of the hike approaches and will likely cancel in the case of inclement weather. This decision will generally be made the night before the hike and post accordingly. You should check this posting prior to leaving for the trailhead.

Now onto the details of this specific training hike:

The Coldwater Mountain Trail complex is part of a large trail system across the border in Alabama. This trial will be approximately 14 miles with about 1,500 feet of elevation gain. At some point during the hike, we'll stop for a break where folks can eat (bring food). Also, we're hiking in January, please bring layers. We'll plan to follow the Alltrails.com map here:

https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/alabama/coldwater-mountain-loop

As this is a fair distance from Atlanta, carpooling is recommended and those that are riding with others are encouraged to provide the driver with some compensation for gas.

Directions to Trailhead:
33.643919, -85.856042

• From the I-85/I-20 interchange, head west on I-20W for 110miles
• Take exit 185 and turn right at the end of the ramp to head north on AL-21N. Continue for 3.4 miles
• Turn Left onto AL-202W/E 8th Street and drive 1.8 miles
• Turn Left onto Monsanto Rd and continue for about 0.3 miles
• Turn Left into the Coldwater Mountain parking area