Overview
Mount Pleasant is one of 4 peaks above 4000 ft. in the Mount Pleasant National Scenic Area located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. The Scenic area is in the George Washington National Forest and is in the Pedlar Ranger district, there are 7580 acres of lush wooded mountain country to explore. There is Black Bear, Whitetail Deer, Bobcat, Racoon and all other critters that are common to the Blue Ridge Mountains. The Harry Lanum loop trail is the best way to climb Mount Pleasant. The trail is a loop trail with a spur trail leading to the summit and back. When I climbed this peak in late may, the hike along the loop trail was very green and wooded, you couldnt see any distances like you can in the western forests, but when I found some boulders to scamble at the top I felt like I had penetrated a canopy and was looking down at the thick woods I had just gone thru to get there. Virginia has around 80 peaks that are over 4000 ft. most of them are wooded at the top so they dont offer any distant views, but there are alot that do have clear long range views. I did see a few places to pitch a tent on this hike, and there are a few small creeks for water. At the summit there is views to the east and west, however you have to look around for some boulders to climb up and get you above the trees and brush.
Getting There
No matter what part of Virginia you are coming from you need to get on US60 then turn onto VA634 then turn right on VA755 which turns to dirt FDR 48 cross the Appalachain trail then signs point you to a dirt parking area. DeLorme- Virginia Atlas & Gazetteer page 54 B2
Red Tape
As far as I know there is no red tape. Tell someone where you are going, dont camp to close to water sources. Contact the Glenwood/Pedlar ranger district Buena Vista, Virginia 540-261-6105
When To Climb
Mount Pleasant can be climbed year round. Spring and fall would be the most comfortable time of year, summer can be very hot and humid and buggy, winter would have the best views but there is a chance of snow, be prepared for winter travel.
Camping
Yes backcountry camping is allowed. Check with the Pedlar Ranger district 504-261-6105