The iconic summit of Cold Mountain (6,030′) is a long and difficult climb but well worth the effort. Hiking the Art Loeb Trail, you’ll be in a perfect position to head up the final summit trail from Deep Gap near the Northern Terminus.
From the intersection with the ALT it’s just under 1.5 miles and an elevation gain of just over 1,000′ to the summit. There are a few easier sections along the way to help you rest your legs and a small spring about half way up the trail. There are also a few small campsites near the top.
In the spring and summertime the open forests along the trail come alive with wildflowers and fungi. This area is recovering from a large forest fire in 2025 that reached all the way to the summit and burned a large portion of the surrounding Shining Rock Wilderness area, including sections of the Art Loeb Trail. On a clear day the views here are unmatched and the summit is rarely crowded.