The AT crosses two summits, Tar Jacket Ridge (3,840 ft) and Cold Mountain (4,022 ft), with striking panoramic views. The grassy balds were cleared for pastures in the early 1800s and remnants of stone fences can still be seen in the area. From Salt Log Gap, the trail ascends 1.3 miles to the summit of Tar Jacket Ridge with views of Cold Mountain to the south. It then descends to Hog Camp Gap (USFS 48). The Hotel Trail forms a circuit hike with the AT between Hog Camp Gap and Cow Camp Gap; a favorite day hike for hikers in the region. From Hog Camp Gap, the trail begins a graded 1.3 mile climb to the summit of Cold Mountain. To the east is Mt. Pleasant. Its profile appears on the NBATC T-shirts! The trail descends to Cow Camp Gap where a blue blaze trail leads 0.6 mile to Cow Camp Gap shelter. The last 3.8 miles of this section climbs Bald Mountain and descends to Long Mountain Wayside (U.S. 60).