This is a tough, beautiful little hike. Judged by the distance and elevation, it is quite doable, easy, but the terrain makes all the difference. The trail has been blown down in places making for very narrow paths and fallen trees that will get your ankles, toes and thighs a good workout.
You need to be vigilant and make sure you look where you put your foot down, "mind the gaps". At the beginning, there is overgrowth, and you will need your GPS. Sword ferns are as tall as your chest, and you cannot see the path. Our pants and feet got soaked from walking through the ferns. When you get to the top, after the switchbacks are done, you will need your GPS again, there is no trail. Many trees down and beautiful giant ferns, over 6 ft tall. Hard to see where your foot is going.
The views at the top are beautiful and we enjoyed being the only souls on the trail for the day. It was a nice day in nature and the woods, walking through the overgrowth giant ferns at the top was special but it was tough terrain. We brought secateurs, gloves and we were trimming vegetation, especially blackberries where we could. Got a few cuts and scratches from the overgrowth.
It took us 4 hours to do this little hike, part for the vegetation, the navigation or trying to watch your footing. We did enjoy it. We had hail at the top of the mountain and thunderstorms were getting started at the end of our hike.
Make sure you get your non-motorized permit for $12.00 to hike there for the day.
Happy Trails - Enjoy.
Comments