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Mount Pleasant Loop

Amherst, Virginia

4.6/5
based on 12 reviews

Details

Distance

5.98 miles

Elevation Gain

1427 ft

Route Type

Loop

Description

Added by Christin Healey

Mount Pleasant Loop is a great beginners backpacking trip or hiking day trip to see west and east facing summits and to catch a great sunset and sunrise. One of the prettiest backcountry campsites I have ever experienced with easy access to water, dog friendly and very secluded. A true local gem.

From the Mount Pleasant Parking Area, take the blue blazed Pompey Mountain Trail that is just beyond the horse gate. As it's a loop, you can start at either entrance, but I prefer heading left to get the longer leg of the hike before the summit (always better to have an easy journey down in the am). At mile 2.5, you will intersect with the Henry Lanum Memorial Trail and there is a sign for the summit of Mount Pleasant.

There are also places to camp in this area if you prefer to not camp near the summit or all those spots are taken. It's .5 miles to the summit and some of the prettiest backcountry campsites in Virginia. There are three sites up there, all with small rocky fire pits. Going during the week, I was the only one there hiking and camping.

Near the summit, there are two lookouts -- one east facing and one west facing. Turn left for east, and right for west. The two lookouts are one of my favorite things about backpacking to this spot. The next morning, or when you are done enjoying the view, just head down to the intersection of Henry Lanum Memorial Trail and head left to complete the 6.15 mile loop. If you want, you can combine this trail with Cole Mountain for a 12 mile trip.

The Mount Pleasant Scenic Area is part of the George Washington National Forest, and does not require any passes or permits for entrance, camping, or hiking. This is a pretty off the radar area, but be warned that Boy Scouts do bring their troops here, but they camp near the parking area and not near the summit. Enjoy this little known gem!

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Features

Camping
Photography
Backpacking
Hiking
Dog Friendly
Easy Parking
Scenic
Wildlife

Mount Pleasant Loop Reviews

First half of the hike up is challenging but worth it for the views!

a hard hike to have been the first in a while but totally worth the view

Mount Pleasant is a wonderful hike for families and offers beautiful views and fun bouldering at the end!

Brought my pup along with me for this one and it was a great hike! I think he was just as blown away by the views as I was. I think we'll try and come back to do an overnight, cause there are some beautiful campsite areas.

Did this hike with my boyfriend and our 80lb flat coated retriever during the last weekend of October and we all absolutely loved it! Went on Friday afternoon and spent the night. Didn't see another person until we got back to our car the next morning! The campsites all looked great and the views from both east and west summits were spectacular. Getting to see them at sunset and sunrise was ideal! But be aware- the summit can be extremely windy! Since we went in late fall we had high winds and steep temp drops at night but it was totally worth it! Next time we just may pick a slightly more protected camp site if the winds are strong!

Loved the hike, definitely a tough hike for a bigger due to the incline. However it was well worth it for the views. I camped with a buddy on the west summit campsite. Definitely lots of wind up there but unfortunately bad weather came early and ruined the trip. Otherwise great hike and trip, would definitely do it again. Cheers!

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Cole Mountain Loop

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