ALT Project Master Map
Master file for the ALT Project and waypoints.
The Art Loeb Trail Project

Trailhead & Parking (North)
Trailhead and parking area on Little East Fork Road for the Northern terminus of the Art Loeb/Cold Mountain trailhead at Camp Daniel Boone.
There is room for 25-30 vehicles here and there is usually parking available. There is no cell service here and no restrooms. Water is available alongside the parking area from the Little East Fork of the Pigeon River.
To reach the trailhead, drive through Camp Daniel Boone and past all the buildings. Depending on the time of year, the camp may or may not be active. Drive slowly and be respectful of the staff and campers.
Parking will be a large gravel area past the last buildings on your left. You do not need to check in with the camp to park here and parking is FREE.
There are private homes beyond the camp and trailhead parking area, please make sure you are not blocking the road and do not drive beyond the parking area on to private property. This parking area can get rough after heavy rains, but it is typically easily manageable for any type of vehicle.
This is a gravel road to fairly large gravel parking area.

Water
This is a small seasonal stream that may not always be flowing. You may need to go a few yards down below the trail to find a good flow in dry weather.
Next reliable water source SOBO is 1.5mi
Next reliable water source NOBO is .3mi

Campsite
There is space on the obvious flat old road bed/trail to the right suitable for tents.
The next reliable water source SOBO is 1.1mi
The next reliable water source NOBO is .9 mi
-BEAR CANISTERS ARE REQUIRED
-NO CAMP FIRES ARE PERMITTED
-CAMP STOVES ARE ALLOWED
-GROUP SIZE IS LIMITED TO 10 PEOPLE
-PRACTICE LEAVE NO TRACE PRINCIPLES
-NO CELL SERVICE

Campsite
A good campsite suitable for tents or hammocks.
The next reliable water source SOBO is 1mi
The next reliable water source NOBO is 1mi
-BEAR CANISTERS ARE REQUIRED
-NO CAMP FIRES ARE PERMITTED
-CAMP STOVES ARE ALLOWED
-GROUP SIZE IS LIMITED TO 10 PEOPLE
-PRACTICE LEAVE NO TRACE PRINCIPLES
-NO CELL SERVICE

Water
This is a reliable water source year round. This is normally an easy rock hop across the creek but it can be a challenging crossing in high water, use caution here.
The next reliable water source SOBO is 1mi
The next reliable water source NOBO is 2mi

Campsite
Small campsite by the creek, suitable for tents and hammocks. Follow the obvious old logging road grade down along the creek until it turns and crosses. Camp on either side of creek.
The next reliable water source SOBO is 1mi
The next reliable water source NOBO is 2mi
-BEAR CANISTERS ARE REQUIRED
-NO CAMP FIRES ARE PERMITTED
-CAMP STOVES ARE ALLOWED
-GROUP SIZE IS LIMITED TO 10 PEOPLE
-PRACTICE LEAVE NO TRACE PRINCIPLES
-NO CELL SERVICE

Water
Small seasonal stream here right at the trail. The next water sources in either direction are more reliable and easier to fill up at compared to this small stream.
The next reliable water source SOBO is .6mi
The next reliable water source NOBO is .4mi

This is a reliable water source year round. This can be a challenging crossing in high water, use caution here.
The next reliable water source SOBO is 3.9mi

ALT/Cold Mountain at Deep Gap
This is Deep Gap is where the ALT meets the Cold Mountain (FS 141) summit trail. The trail to the summit of Cold Mountain is 1.4 miles each way from here and climbs roughly 1,000'
This is the Northern "Deep Gap" not to be confused with the Deep Gap Shelter at the base of Pilot Mountain, an area also referred to as Deep Gap.
There are several campsites close by. The ALT turns sharply here and there are other social trails branching off in the immediate area.

Large campsite suitable for tents and hammocks.
The next reliable water source SOBO is 3.1mi
The next reliable water source NOBO is .8mi
-VERY LIMITED CELL SERVICE

Campsite suitable for tents or hammocks.
This campsite is at the base of the Cold Mountain Summit trail not far from the trail intersection with the ALT.
The next reliable water source NOBO is .8mi
-VERY LIMITED CELL SERVICE

Small campsite behind some fallen trees, suitable for tents and hammocks.
-VERY LIMITED CELL SERVICE (Verizon)

View
There are great views here about half way between Deep Gap and The Narrows.
Viewpoints on either side of the trail look East towards Mt. Pisgah and West towards the Middle Prong Wilderness.
You can also get a good view of Cold Mountain looking North.

View
Long range view near The Narrows.

Large campsite suitable for tents and hammocks.
The next reliable water source NOBO is 1.9mi
-VERY LIMITED CELL SERVICE (Verizon)

Large campsite suitable for tents and hammocks.
The next reliable water source NOBO is 2.2mi
-VERY LIMITED CELL SERVICE (Verizon)

Campsite suitable for tents or hammocks.
The next reliable water source NOBO is 2.4mi

Campsite suitable for tents or hammocks.

Large campsite suitable for tents and hammocks and good for larger groups.
The next reliable water source SOBO is .9mi
-LIMITED CELL SERVICE (Verizon)

Small seasonal water source coming down the boulders, less reliable and the flow can be really slow.
If you scramble a few feet up the hillside, there is sometimes a deeper pool.
The nearby spring at Shining Rock Gap will be flowing if this one is not.
The next reliable water source SOBO is .4mi

Large campsite suitable for tents and hammocks at Shining Rock Gap.
There are a number of other good campsites nearby and this area is popular for thru hikers and overnight camping. Good for groups.
-LIMITED CELL SERVICE (Verizon)

Campsite near the intersection of the Little East Fork/Ivestor Gap and Art Loeb in the obvious old road bed just after the ALT turns left to reach Shining Rock Gap.
There are a number of other good campsites nearby and this area is popular for thru hikers and overnight camping.

ALT/Little East Fork
The Art Loeb intersects here with the Little East Fork trail. It's worth noting that many people refer to this section as the Ivestor Gap trail, however this is actually the Little East Fork Trail. Ivestor Gap technically begins where the LEF trail splits off down an old logging grade .4mi West from here.
Heading SOBO turn LEFT here to continue following the ALT. Almost immediately after that (a few yards) you will reach Shining Rock Gap, a signed intersection of the Old Butt/ALT trails and where you turn RIGHT to continue following the ALT.
Heading NOBO turn RIGHT here to continue following the ALT.
There is no sign at this junction and the turn can be easy to miss as the wide trail appears to continue straight. If you reach a signed intersection with the Little East Fork trail, turn around, you have missed the ALT.

ALT/Old Butt & Shining Rock
This is Shining Rock Gap. The ALT intersects here with Old Butt Knob and Little East Fork trails as well as the unnamed trail that leads to Shining Rock.
Heading SOBO turn RIGHT here to continue following the ALT.
Heading NOBO turn LEFT here and then RIGHT at the immediate intersection just a few yards ahead to continue following the ALT.
You can take a side trip to Shining Rock by turning LEFT and here and begin following the Old Butt Knob trail.
Shortly the trails seems to split and a more faint trail goes right. Stay LEFT on the more prominent trail to go to Shining Rock. It's a relatively short but strenuous climb to the bottom of the large quartz formation with a excellent views from it's lower cliffs and the trail continues to the true summit.
There are numerous social trails branching off beyond here, another signed intersection with the Old Butt Knob trail and unsigned turns to reach the summit. Take note and use your map.

Large campsite off the trail and uphill for tents and hammocks. Good for groups.
-LIMITED CELL SERVICE (Verizon)

ALT/Shining Creek
Heading SOBO the Shining Creek trail will be on your LEFT. Continue STRAIGHT to follow the ALT.
Heading NOBO Shining Creek trail will be on your RIGHT. Continue STRAIGHT to follow the ALT.

A reliable spring fed water source that flows year round.
The spring emerges from under a large pine tree. Head downhill where it's easier to collect.

ALT/Grassy Cove Top
You can climb to the top of Grassy Cove Top from here, however the trail going down the other side is closed due to erosion. You should return the same way you came up to continue on the ALT.
Heading SOBO the unmarked but fairly obvious trail to Grassy Cove Top will be on your right. This intersection is not signed.
The ALT does not climb over Grassy Cove Top but instead goes around its base turning left here while the trail up Grassy Cove Top goes more or less straight.
Heading NOBO the trail will be on your left, but it can be easy to miss heading this direction.

ALT/Graveyard Ridge
Here the ALT intersects with the Graveyard Ridge Trail.
Hiking SOBO take a RIGHT at this intersection and then almost immediately you will turn LEFT at the next to continue following the ALT.
Hiking NOBO take a LEFT to continue following the ALT.

ALT/Ivestor Gap & Graveyard Ridge
This is Ivestor Gap. Here the ALT intersects with the Ivestor Gap and Graveyard Ridge trails.
This is one of three points where the ALT and Ivestor Gap will intersect with one another over a short span.
This is also the boundary of the Shining Rock Wilderness. There is an information kiosk here as well.
Hiking SOBO take a LEFT here through the split rail fence and across a large open grassy area. You'll see the trail continue uphill into the forest. You are leaving the Shining Rock Wilderness.
Hiking NOBO pass through the split rail fence, then turn RIGHT to continue on the ALT. You are entering the Shining Rock Wilderness.
You will be able to see the next intersection with the ALT/Graveyard Ridge trail at which you will turn left.

Large campsite for tents and good for larger groups.
-CAMP FIRES ARE PERMITTED

Small campsite suitable for a tent.
-CAMP FIRES ARE PERMITTED

Small campsite suitable for tent or hammock.
There are several other similar campsites scattered throughout the woods here.
-CAMP FIRES ARE PERMITTED

Campsite suitable for tents and hammocks.
There are several other similar campsites scattered throughout the woods here.

Large campsite suitable for tents and hammocks. Good for large groups.
There are several other similar campsites scattered throughout the woods here.

Small campsite suitable for a tent.

Small campsite near a stand of dead trees suitable for a tent. Use caution and don't use hammocks on these trees.

Campsite suitable for tents.

ALT/Ivestor Gap
The ALT and Ivestor Gap trail meet and overlap for a short ways.
Heading SOBO continue STRAIGHT ahead to reach the next intersection where the ALT leaves Ivestor Gap.
Heading NOBO you will see Ivestor Gap on the LEFT and ALT on the RIGHT. Go RIGHT to continue following the ALT.

ALT/Ivestor Gap
The ALT and Ivestor Gap trail meet and overlap for a short ways.
There is a reliable water source .15mi down Ivestor Gap heading South.
Heading SOBO turn LEFT from the wide gravel trail to continue following the ALT. To reach the water source you would continue straight on Ivestor Gap for .15mi
Heading NOBO turn RIGHT when you reach the wide gravel trail to continue following the ALT. To reach the water source you would turn LEFT and follow Ivestor Gap for .15mi

Piped Spring on the Ivestor Gap Trail .15mi from the intersection with the ALT.
This is a reliable source and should be flowing year round. The pipe may or may not be present.

View
Excellent views of Black Balsam and Tennent Mountain as well as the prominent Ivestor and Graveyard ridges below and the mountains beyond.

There are excellent views here, however the tent site is almost directly on the trail. The campsite is on an exposed ridge and the weather can be extreme. Campfires are not recommended.

The summit of Tennent Mountain offers excellent 360° views

ALT/Unnamed Connector to Ivestor Gap
A short .25mi unnamed connector trail cuts through here from ALT to Ivestor Gap. The trail starts directly behind the ALT directional sign heading in to the bushes.
There is sometimes water flowing near the top, but not a reliable source.
There is a small campsite tucked away along this trail and several good campsites at the other end on Ivestor Gap.

Ivestor Gap/Unnamed connector to ALT
A short .25mi unnamed connector trail cuts through here from Ivestor Gap to the ALT. The trail starts at this entrance tucked in to the rhododendrons. There is sometimes water flowing near the top closer to the ALT, but not a reliable source.
There is a small campsite along this trail and several campsites here on the Ivestor Gap trail.

Campsite suitable for tents. The campsite is on an exposed bald and the weather can be extreme. Campfires are not recommended.

Small campsite suitable for a tent. The campsite is on an exposed bald and the weather can be extreme. Campfires are not recommended.

Large campsite suitable for tents. The campsite is on an exposed bald and the weather can be extreme. Campfires are not recommended.

Large campsite for tents. The campsite is on an exposed bald and the weather can be extreme. Campfires are not recommended.

The summit of Black Balsam Knob offers iconic 360° views of the surrounding Pisgah National Forest and is the highest point on the Art Loeb Trail.
There is a small plaque on the summit honoring Arthur J. Loeb, the trail's namesake. It's a truly beautiful place to observe and continue his legacy.

Small campsite suitable for tents. The campsite is on an exposed bald and the weather can be extreme. Campfires are not recommended.

ALT/ALT Spur Trail
The ALT Spur trail meets the ALT here. The spur trail descends roughly 300' from here over .5mi to reach the Ivestor Gap trail.
There is a reliable year round water source on Ivestor Gap at the other end of this trail.
When you reach Ivestor Gap, go right for roughly 100yds, the water source is a piped spring and will be on your RIGHT.

Ivestor Gap/ALT Spur Trail
The ALT Spur trail meets the Ivestor Gap trail here.
The spur trail climbs roughly 300' from here over .5mi to reach the ALT on the lower summit of Black Balsam Knob.

Parking
Parking area for the Ivestor Gap, Sam Knob and Flat Laurel Creek trailheads on Black Balsam Road (FSR816). From here you can also access the Art Loeb Spur trail by heading down Ivestor Gap. There is a water source just a few hundred yards beyond the spur trail.
You can also access the Art Loeb/MST by walking back up the road from here to where the trail crosses.
This is a very popular parking area. Additional parking is allowed along the road. There are also pit toilets here and an information kiosk

Bathroom
There are pit toilets here and they are typically unlocked year round.
Water is available at a piped spring a short distance down the Ivestor Gap trail.

Piped spring on Ivestor Gap Trail near the Sam Knob/Black Balsam parking area. This spring is 100% reliable year round.
The spur trail to the spring is roughly .5 miles each way from the Art Loeb Trail.

Small campsite suitable for hammocks or tents. It's fairly close to a busy section of the trail and other people might camp nearby.
- VERY LIMITED CELL SERVICE (VERIZON)

ALT/MST
The Art Loeb and Mountains-to-Sea trail meet here.
From here south to Silvermine Bald the ALT and MST overlap and are the same trail before splitting again.

Parking
The ALT and MST cross Black Balsam Road (FSR816) here and there is limited roadside parking available.
There is a designated parking lot at the end of this road at the Ivestor Gap, Sam Knob and Flat Laurel Creek trailheads.
From here south to Silvermine Bald the ALT and MST overlap and are the same trail before splitting again.

Large open area with multiple campsites, suitable for tents and hammocks. Good for groups.
This is a very popular spot for car campers as well day hikers. You should camp at least 1000' from the road here per the sign.

A great view overlooking Graveyard Fields and the Blue Ridge Parkway.

There is a beautiful view here of Pilot Mountain and the surrounding trees and foliage act like a perfect natural picture frame.

ALT/MST
The ALT and Mountains-to-Sea trail overlap one another from here at Silvermine Bald to Black Balsam Road where they split again from one another.
Heading SOBO, the ALT turns LEFT here and down to cross the Blue Ridge Parkway. The MST continues STRAIGHT.
Heading NOBO the ALT turns RIGHT at this intersection.
Make sure to walk just a few yards past this intersection on the MST as it leaves the ALT, looking for a small opening in the trees, which leads to one of the best views in Western North Carolina.
You can take a side trip to the summit of Devil's Courthouse by continuing following the MST for 1.2mi to reach a short spur trail from the MST, which is another .3 mi to the summit, a total of 1.5mi each direction.

An iconic view of Pilot Mountain and Sassafras Knob. Many people miss this view from Silvermine Bald since it's not directly on the ALT but rather a few yards further down the MST.
Instead of following the ALT down to the parkway if hiking SOBO or following the overlap of the ALT/MST if traveling NOBO, continue walking just a few yards beyond the intersection on the MST to find this spot. Use caution as you approach the edge.

ALT/Blue Ridge Parkway
The ALT crosses the Blue Ridge Parkway here.
Heading SOBO the trail continues across the road to the LEFT over the small hill above the pull off.
Heading NOBO the trail continues across the road to the LEFT up the rock steps.

Parking
The ALT crosses the Blue Ridge Parkway here and there is room to pull off on the shoulder to park a few cars here.
There is more parking at the nearby Fetterbush overlook .5mi SOUTH on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Heading SOBO the trail continues across the road to the LEFT over the small hill above the pull off.
Heading NOBO the trail continues across the road to the LEFT up the rock steps.

Small campsite suitable for one tent or hammock.
-BEAR CANISTERS ARE NOT REQUIRED
-CELL SERVICE ?

-BEAR CANISTERS ARE NOT REQUIRED
-CELL SERVICE ?

A nice campsite suitable for tents and hammocks with a good view through the trees.
-BEAR CANISTERS ARE NOT REQUIRED
-CELL SERVICE ?

Small campsite suitable for a tent or hammock.

There's a fairly large rock outcropping with a nice view here of Cedar Rock and beyond.
This is a great place to take a break and have a snack.

A very nice large campsite suitable for tents and hammocks.

This is a really cool, large campsite with big boulders below a small cliff that gives you some protection from the elements. The campsite is situated well below the trail.
There's a large flat boulder at a switchback on the ALT where you can look down from the trail onto the campsite. Don't try to go down here, instead, follow the ALT downhill one more switchback and look for the faint side trail leading slightly uphill into the rhododendrons. Follow this a short ways directly to the campsite.

ALT/Pilot Mountain Road
The ALT crosses Pilot Mountain Road twice over a .10 mile span.

ALT/Davidson River Rd (FSR 475)
The ALT crosse Davidson River Road (FSR 475) at Gloucester Gap.
This road can close occasionally due to weather conditions, controlled burns and storm damage.
There is no designated parking area here but there is room for a few cars on the side of the road here. It is not recommended to leave vehicles here overnight.

This small roadside waterfall is reliable (it may freeze in winter) and even in a low flow it's fairly easy to collect water here.
It's an easy .25mi road walk on FSR 475 from the ALT crossing at Gloucester Gap.
Heading SOBO turn LEFT and follow FSR 475 for .25mi
Heading NOBO turn RIGHT and follow FSR475 for .25mi

ALT/Catheys Creek Road
The ALT crosses Catheys Creek Road (FSR 471) here.

Large campsite suitable for tents and hammocks and well off the trail.

Large Campsite suitable for tents and hammocks.

ALT/Low Gap Road
The ALT intersects here with the Low Gap Road trail and nearby on the opposite side of the ALT with the Searcy Creek Connector trail.
Heading SOBO continue STRAIGHT and up a few log steps. Low Gap will be on your right. You'll see the Searcy Creek Connector below on your left.
Heading NOBO continue STRAIGHT. Low Gap will be on your left. You'll see the Searcy Creek Connector below on your right.

ALT/Butter Gap
The ALT intersects with the new Butter Gap Trail and the Cedar Rock climbers access trail here. A spur trail also crosses here leading back to the Searcy Creek Connector and Low Gap Road trails, which can make this intersection somewhat confusing but there are signs for the ALT as it leaves in either direction.
Additionally, you will also see a decommissioned section of the Cedar Rock Mountain trail dead ahead. This trail now picks up further up the Butter Gap trail.
Heading SOBO look for the ALT to the RIGHT of the climbers access trail to your RIGHT heading downhill.
Heading NOBO turn LEFT when you make it up the hill to this intersection. The ALT continues straight across the old road bed.

Deep Gap Shelter
The Deep Gap shelter has a fire ring, bear proof food storage box and a reliable water source nearby. Camping is allowed outside the shelter.

This spring is roughly 100' south of the Deep Gap shelter. It's typically a reliable source year round although the flow can get very low in dry weather.

Pilot Mountain Summit (5,095')
The summit of Pilot Mtn offers views in every direction.

Butter Gap Shelter
The Butter Gap shelter has a fire ring, bear proof food storage cables and a reliable water source nearby.
Camping is allowed outside the shelter.
-VERY LIMITED CELL SERVICE

Water is available reliably year round from a piped spring and creek at the Butter Gap shelter.

There's a large area here for several tents and a few more suitable sites further down the trail below the shelter as well as up the hillside in front.
There's a large fire ring and bear hang cables. Water is available at the piped spring by the shelter.

The trail crosses over a small seasonal stream. The flow can be slow and there isn't much of a drop here to collect water easily.
There is a more reliable year round water source at the nearby Butter Gap Shelter.

The trail crosses over Cedar Rock Creek where there is a small seasonal flow.
There is a more reliable year round water source at the nearby Butter Gap Shelter.

A stream goes under the trail here. If you go down below the trail there's a good drop under the large boulders to collect water easily in a normal flow.
You may also be able to access the stream just above the trail if it's flowing well.
There is a more reliable year round water source at the nearby Butter Gap Shelter.

Large campsite for tents and hammocks.
-LIMITED CELL SERVICE

The trail crosses a small stream. It might not be flowing strongly in very dry weather but it's fairly reliable.

There is a small spring that trickles from an opening in the rocks here.
The flow is usually minimal and may sometimes be dry.

This is a great campsite with plenty of room for tents and hammocks.
You are right under Cedar Rock and you can scramble up the rock when it's dry.
-LIMITED CELL SERVICE

If the rock is dry, you can scramble up a little ways pretty easily to get a great view from the rock face.

The trail crosses a small seasonal stream.

A large campsite good for tents and hammocks. There is a seasonal stream directly behind this campsite.
-LIMITED CELL SERVICE

Seasonal stream

Campsite suitable for hammocks or tents. There is a seasonal stream behind this site.

Seasonal stream typically with a good flow.

ALT/Cedar Rock Mountain
The ALT intersects here with the unsigned Cedar Rock Mountain trail at Sandy Gap. There is a double blaze here.
This unsigned rugged trail goes over the top of Cedar Rock Mountain and rejoins the ALT on the other side.

ALT/Cedar Rock Mountain
The ALT intersects here with the unsigned Cedar Rock Mountain trail.
This unsigned rugged trail goes over the top of Cedar Rock Mountain and rejoins the ALT on the other side.

ALT/Cat Gap Loop
This is the Cat Gap intersection. Here the ALT intersects with the Cat Gap Loop trail twice in just a few yards.
Heading SOBO the intersections will be on your LEFT.
Heading NOBO the intersections will be on your RIGHT.

There is a small campsite suitable for one tent at each of the dual intersections with the ALT/Cat Gap Loop trails which are just a few yards apart from each other. These are not ideal sites and at busy trail intersections.

The next reliable water source SOBO is 3.2mi
The next reliable water source NOBO is 2mi

ALT/FSR 475C
The ALT crosses FSR 475C here. From either direction the trail continues slightly LEFT across the road.

A large campsite suitable for tents or hammocks. There are two unofficial trails leading away from the campsite and a double blaze as the ALT turns here.
The next reliable water source SOBO is 1.75mi
The next reliable water source NOBO is 3.45mi

ALT/North Slope Connector
The ALT intersects with the North Slope Connector here.
If you need to bail out to the Southern end of the trail, this is a good place to do so. The North Slope Connector reaches the North Slope trail which you can take in either direction from here to reach the Davidson River Campground and parking area for the ALT. It's about a mile shorter than following the ALT and it's all flat and downhill for 3mi to the trailhead.

Small campsite suitable for one tent or a few hammocks.

Small campsite suitable for one tent.

Small campsite suitable for one tent or hammock.

ALT/Joel Branch Road
The ALT crosses Joel Branch Road here.
There is a reliable year round water source less than .10mi down the road at Joel Branch.
Heading SOBO/NOBO go slightly LEFT across the road to continue following the ALT.

Water source on the left side of the road down Joel Branch less than .10mi off the ALT.
This is a reliable and easy to access water source year round.
Heading SOBO turn LEFT at the trail intersection and continue for .10mi to reach the water source.
Heading NOBO turn RIGHT at the trail intersection and continue for .10mi to reach the water source.

Small campsite suitable for one tent or hammock.
The next reliable water source NOBO is .35m

The next reliable water source NOBO is .5m

Joel Branch empties here in to the Davidson River.
The trail follows the Davidson River for the remainder of the hike SOBO.

ALT/Estatoe Trail
The ALT intersects with the Estatoe trail. The ALT crosses a small footbridge over Joel Branch where it meets the Davidson River.

River & Beach
There's a beautiful and easy to access swimming hole here at the Davidson River.

Davidson River Bridge
Steel footbridge crossing the Davidson River.

Trailhead & Parking (South)
Designated parking area for the Art Loeb and Estatoe trails. There is room for 25-30 cars here.
If this lot is full, there is another parking area across Hwy 276 at the Black Mountain trailhead and additional parking available at the Pisgah Ranger Station.
This is a popular parking lot and it fills up early, especially on weekends. This is a paved road to a paved parking area.

Campsite suitable for tents and hammocks.

Small campsite for tent or hammock.

A large campsite suitable for tents and hammocks.

Small campsite for one tent or hammock.

Campsite suitable for tents and hammocks on either side of the trail.

Spring near the top of Cold Mountain. It is usually flowing but can get down to a trickle. There may or may not be a pipe.

Campsite on Cold Mountain suitable for tents and hammocks.

Small campsite for one tent.

CAMPSITE
Large campsite suitable for tents and hammocks and well off the trail.

ALT/Deep Gap Road
The ALT intersects with Deep Gap Road again.
Heading SOBO Deep Gap Road will come in from the left and overlap the ALT for a very short ways.
Heading NOBO the ALT goes left and Deep Gap Road goes right.

ALT/Deep Gap Road
The ALT intersects with Deep Gap Road again.
Heading SOBO the ALT goes RIGHT. Deep Gap Road will be on your left.
Heading NOBO the ALT goes RIGHT. Deep Gap Road will be on your LEFT.

ALT/Farlow Gap & Deep Gap Rpad
Here the ALT intersects with the Farlow Gap trail, Deep Gap Road and Kiesee Creek Road.
The trail will intersect three more times with Deep Gap Rd between here and the base of Pilot Mtn.
You will also see Deep Gap Road intersecting parallel to the ALT heading SOBO and Kiesee Creek Rd running parallel NOBO.
Heading SOBO the Farlow Gap trail will be on your LEFT. The ALT continues straight up the small hill in front of the large boulder. Deep Gap Road will be to your right.
Heading NOBO the Farlow Gap trail will be on your right. The ALT continues straight. Kiesee Creek Road will be on your left.

CAMPSITE
Large campsite suitable for hammocks, there isn't much flat ground here for a tent.
There are several other spots between here and the Blue Ridge Parkway heading south that seem like good campsites, but all are within the Blue Ridge Parkway boundary where camping is prohibited, so they are not included here.

Small season water source.

Large campsite suitable for tents.

Small spring, flow can vary based on the weather. The spring near Shining Rock Gap 1.35mi North is more reliable year round.

Small campsite suitable for one tent, directly on the trailside.

Large campsite suitable for tents and hammocks. Follow the short side trail to reach the campsite.

Campsite suitable for tents or hammocks with a small seasonal spring.

A small seasonal spring crosses the trail here. The water source just North near Shining Rock Gap is more reliable in dry weather.

There are a number of other good campsites nearby and this area is popular for thru hikers and overnight camping. Good for groups.

ALT Project Master Map