This trail was a little difficult to follow. There were trees down, slides in areas and large patches of snow. The views were outstanding and the lake was beautiful. There was a lot of trash at the beginning of the hike as well as up at the lake which really surprised me. We picked up some but didn't have the ability to carry it all out. I think it is a beautiful area and i highly recommend it for an overnighter.

I went with my two children and my dog Max. The trail was easy to follow but could use a little maintenance. Minor amounts of undergrowth are covering the trail in some spots. The trail starts off down hill for about half the 1.1 miles. This obviously makes for a steep hike back to the rig. We did notice that there were some motorcycles on the trail. The trail is clearly marked for NO MOTORIZED vehicles. The motorcyclists were respectful and kept their distance from us. However, the trail is steep and narrow in many places which I wouldn't consider safe for even dirt bikes. Be safe and enjoy this great hike.

The section between Towhead Gap and Cougar Gap is hikeable but has some sections where brush hangs into the trail. The sheet metal trail signs at the start of the trail were already bullet-riddled and shattered to illegibility when we started on this hike. While we were hiking, at noon on a busy weekend day with many hikers on both trails, a group of teenagers fired rifles and assault weapons from the middle of Road 8440 at the Towhead Gap trailheads. We don't know what they were shooting at, but chances are they did not know that trails are leaving from this trailhead in both directions (north to High Rock AND south to Cougar Gap and Greenwood Lake). We delayed our return trip for over an hour after we heard the last shots and, after consulting with another hiker, it seemed to be safe to return to the trailhead. This trailhead area should be declared a NO SHOOTING zone. New trail markers (brown plastic posts) have been placed at Cougar Gap for both #269 and #253. As a pleasant surprise, brush along the mid section of trail #253 from Cougar Gap to the top of the ridge where it meets the logging road has been thoroughly clipped and the tread and runoff diversions improved with shovel work just a few days ago. We don't know about the condition of the western section of the trail from the ridge to the lake or beyond since we hiked back down from the ridge on a motorcycle track. FR 84 is in average shape, not as bad as in earlier years, but not as good as in 2009. Directional signs at some critical turnoffs are missing if you come from FR 52. From http://www.fs.fed.us/gpnf/recreation/: It is unlawful to discharge a firearm, air rifle, or gas gun or other implement capable of taking human life, causing injury, or damaging property as follows: (2) Across or on a National Forest System road or a body of water adjacent thereto, or in any manner or place whereby a person or property is exposed to injury or damage as a result of such discharge, or ...

Along with the above, please note that the Forest Service currently reports this trail to be unmaintained. That said, we found it to be clear and in reasonable condition. Be aware that this trail IS open to dirt bikes. Also be aware of a section where the trail crosses an old road. It can be very confusing here and easy to lose your way. Signs are up, but are very hidden. Recommend marking return path if you come this way.

Trail is in good repair and clear. Loose soil and multiple root/animal holes & tunnels can make footing a bit hazardous. Garbage has been collecting at the south campsite(s) (camp chair, twine, metal grating, cage in the lake, etc) We took out what we could, but still more present unfortunately.