Glenwood & Pedlar Ranger Districts

Recreational Activities - Mt. Pleasant National Scenic Area

The 7,580 acre Mount Pleasant National Scenic Area was created by an Act of Congress in 1994. This area is one of the most popular hiking and dispersed camping destinations on the Glenwood & Pedlar Ranger Districts. Here, visitors have the opportunity to hike several scenic routes past spectacular rhododendron groves and old chestnut snags, through mountain meadows to awesome ridge-top views. Mount Pleasant’s status as a National Scenic Area means the Forest Service will ensure that the natural features like sparkling streams, towering trees and stunning scenery will be protected for future generations to enjoy.

The Mount Pleasant National Scenic Area is, perhaps, best known for its prominent mountains, including Mount Pleasant, Pompey Mountain, and Cole Mountain. The areas also includes a number of very popular trails. Some of the best views of the northern portion of the Glenwood & Pedlar Ranger Districts are possible from Mount Pleasant and Cole Mountain. Other features include the small virgin groves of hardwood forest in Little Cove Creek, and wild trout streams.

The majority of the Mount Pleasant National Scenic Area is steep, rugged terrain with numerous springs and steep cascading streams, surface boulders, massive rock outcrops, cliffs, and pinnacles. Except for locations in the northern third of the area, most of the valleys have steep side-slopes. Elevations range from about 1400 to over 4000 feet above sea level on the three most prominent peaks.

The area is entirely forested, except for the old open fields located north and southeast of Cole Mountain. The overstory is comprised of chestnut oak, pitch pine, scarlet oak, red oak, white oak, white pine, yellow poplar, and small amounts of sugar maple, beech and yellow birch at the lower, more moist locations. Understory species include laurel, rhododendron, blackberry, and coralberry.

The Mount Pleasant Scenic Area offers excellent opportunities for solitude and serenity and is very popular for various forms of dispersed recreation including hiking, hunting, and fishing. The core of the Mount Pleasant National Scenic Area is remote in appearance. Motor vehicles are permitted only on open roads.

The Mount Pleasant National Scenic Area is located in Amherst County, Virginia. This area lies on the east side of the Blue Ridge Mountains, between VA 60 and the South Fork of the Piney River, and is approximately 6 miles east of Buena Vista and 5 miles northwest of Lowesville, Virginia.

Travel Directions

From Buena Vista, take US 60 east about 10 miles. Turn left at SR 634. Follow SR 634 for two miles to SR 755. Turn right and follow SR 755 for 2.2 miles to FDR 48. Follow FDR 48 for about 2 miles to the parking lot for the Hotel and Henry Lanum trails.

Henry Lanum Memorial Trail

Formerly known as the Pompey/Mt. Pleasant Trail, this 4.8 mile loop was renamed in honor of Henry Lanum, a dedicated Appalachian Club Member who spent many hours maintaining trails. The trail climbs to the top of Pompey Mountain (4,032 feet) taking hikers through hardwood forest graced with mountain laurel, rhododendron, blueberries and lovely wildflowers. Trail continues along the ridge top with glimpses of the Blue Ridge. At 2.4 miles, the Mt. Pleasant Spur leaves the main trail taking hikers .5 miles to the top of Mount Pleasant (4,071 feet). Large flat rocks and spectacular views make this an ideal spot for lunch. Watch for rare peregrine falcons, an endangered species nesting in the area. Return to main trail and continue on loop for 2.4 miles back to trailhead.

Old Hotel Trail

This 3.2 mile hike can be made into a 5 mile loop by joining with the Appalachian Trail at Cow Camp Gap. This trail passes through a large mountainside meadow and through lovely hardwood forest along Little Cove Creek. “Old Hotel” does not refer to a proposed resort, as some believe, but is actually named for a former herdsman’s cabin that local hunters used as a retreat.

The Appalachian Trail

Ambitious hikers can tackle the 58 miles of Appalachian Trail that traverse the Pedlar Ranger District. Established in the 1920’s, the Appalachian Trail is a public footpath managed by the Forest Service, Park Service, Appalachian Trail Conference, and local Appalachian Trail clubs. It stretches from Maine to Georgia for a total of 2,144 miles. For those who want a taste of what hiking on this world-renowned trail is like, several miles pass through the Mount Pleasant National Scenic Area, making a pleasant 5 mile loop when combined with the Old Hotel Trail.

Leave No Trace

The following principles will enhance your enjoyment of the Mount Pleasant National Scenic Area and minimize the impacts on this outstanding resource.

Plan Ahead and Prepare

• Know the area regulations and obtain a map
• Travel in small groups. Split larger parties into groups of 4-6
• Prepackage food into reusable containers
• Prepare for all types of weather

Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces

• Stay on designated trails. Walk in single file in the middle of the trail
• Do not cut switchbacks
• When camping, choose established legal campsites. Don't clear vegetation or dig trenches
• Keep pollutants out of water sources by camping at least 200 feet from streams
  

Dispose of Waste Properly

• Pack It In, Pack It Out! Go a step further and carry out trash left by others
• Dispose of human waste in catholes dug 6-8 inches at least 200 feet form water, camp and trails. Cover and disguise with loose soil, sod, and sticks
• Don't wash in springs or streams. Wash yourself and dishes 200 feet away from water sources and use small amounts of biodegradable soap. Scatter strained dishwate
  

Leave What You Find

• Preserve the past. Do not damage historical structures or remove artifacts
• Take only photos-Leave only footprints. Leave rocks, plants and other natural objects where found
• Do not build structures or furniture or dig trenches
  

Minimize Campfire Impacts

• Use a lightweight portable stove for cooking to reduce campfire impacts to the backcountry
• If you have a campfire, use established fire rings or mound fires sheltered from wind, away from brush, logs or trees
• Keep fires small. Use only dead, downed wood that can be broken by hand
• Burn all wood and coals to ash. Make sure campfire is dead out before leaving
  

Respect Wildlife

• Observe wildlife from a distance. Don't follow or approach them
• Never feed wild animals. Feeding damages their health and alters natural behavior
• Protect wildlife and your food by storing rations and trash securely
• Keep pets under control at all times
  

Be Considerate of Others

• Be courteous. Yield to other users on the trail
• Take breaks on durable surfaces away from the trail
• Let nature's sounds prevail. Keep noise levels to a minimum