Cold Mountain, North Carolina, became famous when the Charles Frazier book of the same name won the National Book Award. It became more famous when a movie was made from the book. Cold Mountain, North Carolina, not only has movie-worthy scenery and breathtaking views, it also has some of the most challenging hiking trails you'll ever experience. The trails are only accessible for six months of the year though (May to October.) At other times the severe snow makes them impassible.

If you want to hike to the summit of Cold Mountain, it's a long hike. The trail runs for 11 miles in some of the most beautiful country in North Carolina. Streams, campgrounds and carpets of wild flowers line the trail, but if you go in the summer, be prepared for 100 degree heat. To get to the summit, it will take you a good six to eight hours of climbing, and your muscles will be screaming for you to stop by the time you get to the top. Make sure you're wearing the right hiking shoes before you set off.

If you are a Civil War buff, I don't think you can miss this hike. This area of North Carolina was patrolled by the Home Guard during the Civil War. Their goal was to capture deserting Confederate soldiers and return them to their units or kill them. Climbing this trail you can easily imagine how this incredible rugged country turned out to be a trap for so many soldiers who only wanted to return to their families instead of fighting a war they didn't believe in.

To get to the trail, you should drive from Asheville, NC, on I-40 West. Get off at exit 33 and head into Canton. I would ask someone in Canton how to get to the Cold Mountain trail, as it's around 14 miles outside Canton. When you get to the Scout Camp, if you park at the back, you'll see the hiking trail beginning right next to one of the last buildings.

I can't stress enough how beautiful this trail is. On Cold Mountain, you feel like you're in God's Country and also connect with the history of the South and the Confederate soldiers who were pulled into a war many didn't understand. When you get to the summit, even if you're not religious, say a prayer for the souls of those who lost their lives on Cold Mountain.