Inman leaves his home in North Carolina to fight in the Civil War, enduring three long years away from his love Ada. When the South loses the war, Inman risks being killed as a traitor to make the dangerous journey back to Ada. After encountering many hardships, Inman only has one day with Ada before being killed by ruthless home guards, but not before he takes revenge on them. Ada gives birth to their daughter while continuing life in Cold Mountain without Inman.