Mount Pleasant

The name gives it away, it truly is a pleasant hike. Altogether, the trail is about 5 miles roundtrip. The first mile is completely flat. I would recommend running this if you want to, it would be a beautiful run. Although, the people I was with for this hike were not up for a run through the woods. About a quarter of a mile into the trail we came across a nice vine to swing on. Not many trails have vines sturdy enough to hold you up right along the trail.


This may either be my sister or Tarzan.

 After a mile, the hike gets steeper, but it's never anything too daunting, as long as you keep a steady pace you probably will not even need to stop for a break. We did this hike as a sunset hike. The length was short and the various descriptions said that it was suitable for all fitness levels. I found that to be completely accurate. Since the hike was so easy and not a very popular hike, I imagined the views to be average at best. This was one of the few times I'm glad that I was completely wrong. At the intersection we headed toward the west summit. A short walk later the trees opened up to the best view I've seen. There are mountains upon mountains for miles. We arrived just in time for the sunset.

         

Sunset over the land of the free

Before the hike back down we did visit the east summit. The views are somewhat obstructed by trees but they are still good. You have a nice view of a valley below and some of the town. The hike back down was interesting because it was done in total darkness. At least when you do a sunrise hike you have about 40 minutes of dawn before the sun actually rises. Well after the sun sets it gets completely dark. Thankfully I had stopped at 5 Below and bought some head lamps. (Surprisingly they worked really nice and were much brighter than the flashlights we brought)  

It is somewhat eerie walking back down in the dark, so I would make sure you have a boy hiking with you. Scratch that, make sure you bring a man with you. Although we thought the hike down was going to be shorter, because return hikes are always shorter, this hike is flat enough where it is hard to make it back in less time unless you run it. Running in the dark just felt like we were being chased and it added to the eeriness, so we chose to maintain a steady yet calm power walk. It was one of those hikes where I've never been more happy to see my Volkswagen at the end, yet I would do it again in a heartbeat. I would recommend this to anyone, it's a great hike for families and it is so rewarding. If you are up for a challenge do this as a sunrise or a sunset hike. There is also great places to camp at the top.

Directions: Wiggins Spring Rd, Amherst, VA 24521

*After turning onto this road follow the Mount Pleasant signs. In about a mile you will enter the George Washington National Forest. The road becomes very rough here but if my Jetta can make it I'm sure your car can too. Continue on for another mile and a half and pass a small parking lot on your left. Go a little beyond that for the Mount Pleasant trail parking.