With the break in summer heat, there is no better time to take a hike in the mountains. Normally I would attend the Labor Day kayak sale at Twin Rivers, but since this year we are focused on Philmont, I wanted to test my mettle, check out an unvisited trail, and see how some new equipment is working out.
The trail head for Cole Mountain serves several great hikes in the Mount Pleasant Recreational Area within the Jefferson-Washington National Forest. We even plan to use this trailhead for our extended shakedown hike in April. Since the access is via a Forest Service road, I wanted to make sure that "normal" vehicles could make the trip.
The trail head for Cole Mountain serves several great hikes in the Mount Pleasant Recreational Area within the Jefferson-Washington National Forest. We even plan to use this trailhead for our extended shakedown hike in April. Since the access is via a Forest Service road, I wanted to make sure that "normal" vehicles could make the trip.
Gear Loadout
Starting with my CamelBak Cloudwalker (c. 1995) with 2 liters onboard, I loaded it with my Frogg Toggs rain jacket, first aid kit, toilet kit, water filter, sunscreen, whistle, snacks, leather gloves, and ball cap. Whenever you take a hike in the back country, be sure to bring your “10 essentials”. The total weight of my kit was 10 pounds.
Testing Stuff
Since switching from boots to trail runners, I haven’t had a chance to walk on rocky terrain. So far, I’ve been impressed with the fit and feel of these Altra Lone Peak shoes, but I needed to make sure my feet will be protected from the sharp rocks underfoot. Although my pack was light, this hike will give me a better idea of how the shoes will hold up. Also, I’m checking out Dirty Girl gaiters, which should keep debris out of these low-top shoes.
Another item under test is the use of my fanny pack to hold my map, compass, reading glasses, headlamp, and pocket knife. The ease of access should mean I’ll check my navigation often. Maybe I won’t get lost.
Finally, I’m testing the new rubber tips on my trekking poles. The Leave No Trace crowd recommend these to cover the carbide tips, which dig into the trail and cause erosion. Philmont requires using rubber tips.
Drive to the Trailhead
The first 213 miles are an easy 4 hour ride on interstates and turnpikes. An interesting sign is posted along US-29, “The use of GPS tracking is not advised.” That signs reminds us that your phone app for navigation relies on cellular service. But there is another lesson in that statement -- you need to use all the navigation tools available – make your decisions using all the data. The last 4 miles are tricky because the GPS maps are not accurate. I missed the turnoff but realized right away and only lost five minutes. The forest road is paved until the last 1.2 miles, which is like a 5-10 mph camp road.
The Hike
This is a well-groomed, well-marked trail. Many thanks to the Natural Bridge ATC for their work. The trail head is interesting because it requires hikers to pay close attention to navigation to find the right trail; there are many. I hiked this loop trail in a clockwise direction. After a short downhill, the trail climbs for a mile to a large wooded peak with a large dry campsite. After that, the trail drops steadily to Cow Camp Shelter, located next to Little Cove Creek. It’s a very nice site with fire ring, outhouse, and plenty of campsites. Continue for a short way, turning right at the Appalachian Trail, and returning to the parking lot.
Summary
The Dirty Girl gaiters are great. They have a Velcro fastener that matches the one built into the Altra Lone Peaks. The shoes felt good, but I’m eager to check them out on rocky terrain while carrying a full load. The fanny pack is perfect. I consulted the map many times, which was fortunate a couple of times. Finally, the rubber tips worked okay. I noted that they have a little less traction. Best of all, my fitness level has definitely improved. I never breathed hard except for a short time when the grade increased quickly and sneaky right after leaving the shelter. I paused to take a quick drink and was back to normal. Also, another big win was a new snack. About an hour and half into the hike, I felt my energy drop, so I stuffed a Robert Irvine's Fit Crunch Snack Bar. It was delicious, went down quick, and didn’t make a lump in my gut. I felt energized within minutes.