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- Cold Mountain
6,027 ft · Great Balsam Mountains, North Carolina
Cold Mountain
Cold Mountain is a 6,027 ft peak in the Great Balsam Mountains, North Carolina. The standard route is the Art Loeb Trail and Cold Mountain Trail: 10 mi, 2,900 ft of gain, Class 1.
Cold Mountain at a glance
- Elevation6,027 ft1,837 m
- RouteArt Loeb Trail and Cold Mountain TrailClass 1
- Distance10 mi2,900 ft gain
- Time7 – 9 hrsModerate effort
- SeasonYear‑round
- RangeGreat Balsam MountainsNorth Carolina
Climbing the Art Loeb Trail and Cold Mountain Trail
From Canton, take NC 110 and NC 215 south, turn onto Little East Fork Road (SR 1129) and drive through Camp Daniel Boone to the Forest Service trailhead on the left; do not park on camp property. The Art Loeb Trail climbs steeply 3.8 miles to Deep Gap, then the Class 1 Cold Mountain Trail gains about 1,000 ft in 1.4 miles to the wooded summit benchmark. Both are unsigned and unblazed in the Shining Rock Wilderness, so carry a map and compass; groups are capped at ten. A spring sits just below the crest. Allow 6 to 7 hours, and expect ice and snow up high in winter.
Gear and hazards
What to bring
Backpack (30–40 L)
Hiking Boots
Water
Offline Maps
Headlamp
Satellite Communicator
Whistle
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Sun Hat
Midlayer
Insulated Jacket
Hardshell Jacket
Warm Hat
Buff
Midweight Gloves
Trekking Poles
GPS Device
Power Bank
Water Filter
First-Aid Kit
Emergency Bivy
What to watch for
- Route-finding difficulty
- Slippery terrain
- Remote location
- Spotty cell reception
Quests with Cold Mountain
South Beyond 6,000Peaks near Cold Mountain
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Cold Mountain?
Cold Mountain is 6,027 feet (1,837 m) tall. It is in the Great Balsam Mountains, North Carolina.
How does Cold Mountain rank among the South Beyond 6,000?
At 6,027 feet, Cold Mountain is the 37th highest of the 40 peaks of the South Beyond 6,000. The highest is Mount Mitchell.
How hard is it to hike Cold Mountain?
The Art Loeb Trail and Cold Mountain Trail is Class 1, which means hiking on a trail. Yak rates the overall effort moderate: 10 miles with 2,900 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to hike Cold Mountain?
Most people take 7 – 9 hours round trip on the Art Loeb Trail and Cold Mountain Trail, covering 10 miles with 2,900 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.
Can a beginner hike Cold Mountain?
Usually, if you are fit. The Art Loeb Trail and Cold Mountain Trail is a common first summit for hikers ready for 7 – 9 hours on their feet. Bring layers, food and water, and check the weather before you start.
When is the best time to hike Cold Mountain?
Cold Mountain is open for hiking year-round. Conditions change with the seasons, so check the summit forecast before you go.
Climb Cold Mountain with Yak
Plan your route on a topo map, check the summit forecast, then log your climb and see what is left on your list