Hike to Rare Mountain-Top Meadow with Fantastic 360-Degree Views

OVERVIEW

Come check out a really rare mountain-top meadow with awesome views all around! The mountain tops in the Mt. Pleasant / Cole Mountain area of the Blue Ridge were at one time open fields and meadows kept clear by grazing cattle and other livestock. The lucky cows had awesome views! The area eventually became national forest land, and natural forest regeneration began to take place. After a series of discussions, the Forest Service, the Appalachian Trail Conference, and hiking clubs decided to keep the meadows cleared (by mowing), maintaining the rare scenic value of these mountain ridgelines. We’ll do the Cole / Cold Mountain Loop.

Hike 5.8 miles
1,320 feet elevation gain
The most relaxed-pace hiker (the caboose) will carry one walkie-talkie while hiking at minimum pace 3 out of 5; I’ll carry the other one while hiking at pace 3.5 or 4 (out of 5). Those of you who have hiked with me before: same pace or slightly more chillax.

This adventure starts out with everyone waitlisted, and then as drivers sign up, folks will get off the wait list.

WITHDRAW/CANCEL-PARTICIPATION DEADLINE is the same as the posted signup deadline for every club adventure unless otherwise noted. If you are on the wait list and make other plans, please withdraw ONLINE (otherwise if you get off the wait list last-minute and don’t show up, and someone else could have gone in your spot, that’s a problem).

Drivers needed and greatly appreciated (~136 miles total). Drivers please arrive with completely full tank of gas, then I’ll pay to fill up your tank upon return and give you a 50% tip! The more drivers, the bigger we can grow the size of this trip to let in any waitlistees. Thanks!

Wear non-cotton clothes, and pack: __ breakfast in-stomach or in-hand, __ multiple layers of clothes to put on / peel off as needed – it will be much colder up there, __ 2-3 L water, __ lunch, __ snacks, __ meds, __ extra corrective lenses if applicable, __ rain gear, __ whistle, __ FLASHLIGHT / HEADLAMP (required, and NOT JUST YOUR CELLPHONE LIGHT), __ hike poles? __ camera? __ sunscreen and hat?, __ sunglasses? __ t.p. & baggie? __ 6-foot leash, water and food if bringing doggie in your own car.
Everyone will be required to sign a liability waiver.

Meeting / departure location is: on Jefferson Park Avenue (JPA) at the Free Trolley bus stop just before that bus turns right onto Maury Avenue. If you’re on JPA facing Fry’s Spring Station restaurant (which is on the NE corner of JPA and Maury), we’re meeting at the bus stop / grassy area that’s on JPA to the right of that restaurant.

This trip’s leader is a Geo Medic and Wilderness EMT, is the instructor of the Wilderness First Aid & CPR courses posted in the club, and will be happy to help anyone in need.

~ father shred