Asheville, NC: Cold Mountain
Big views. Quiet streams. A forest paradise. This 8-mile hike to a Hollywood-made-famous summit still offers plenty of solitude, plus fine campsites for a wilderness overnight.
Trail Facts
- Distance: 12.9
- Miles from city center: 33
Waypoints
CMT001
Location: 35.391464, -82.896824
From the trailhead, start climbing east, then northeast.
CMT002
Location: 35.392548, -82.891524
This campsite sits just inside boundary of Shining Rock Wilderness.
CMT003
Location: 35.388794, -82.88076
Small campsite near gushing creek; loaded with Crayola-colored wildflowers in season.
CMT004
Location: 35.391823, -82.870888
Trail snakes along hillside, staying north of the rugged Narrows.
CMT005
Location: 35.396625, -82.868362
Hard climb the rock-strewn notch of Deep Gap.
CMT006
Location: 35.400311, -82.863998
Turn left, climbing the richly wooded spine of Cold Mountain.
CMT007
Location: 35.406349, -82.861333
Wrap into valley, crossing Sorrel Creek toward the mountain’s distinctively pointy summit.
CMT008
Location: 35.409864, -82.862771
Head east for the final slog up the peak.
CMT009
Location: 35.409969, -82.856762
Reach summit of Cold Mountain (6,030 ft.). Fine rest and lunch spots on flat rocks. Bask in the sun and terrific 180-degree views of surrounding forest and countryside.