We arrived to an extremely full parking lot around 1:30pm on a Sunday, and luckily were able to get a spot on the side of the road after the upper parking lot.
We were worried about the overall situation since the government shutdown had just been initiated, but we found the bathrooms to be open, with many porta-potties around as well.
I had been told before embarking that there was not much elevation gain on this hike, which I thought strange since it was near a mountain. However, be forewarned that there is some elevation.
The hike was quite crowded, but as you get past the asphalt paths the crowds lessen a bit.
There is an outhouse with a beautiful view about a third of the way up. However, it was bolted shut with plywood, and strands of toilet paper littered the ground around it.
The colors and lighting were simply incredible and indescribable. These were some of the best photos I've ever taken in my life, plainly due to the golden hour lighting and not much to say about my photographic skills.
We got onto the trail not long after 1:30pm with 3 kids under 13, and arrived back at the vehicle just before dark before 7pm.
Although we took the clockwise loop this time, we might consider the counter-clockwise next time, as we were in the shadow of the foothills toward the end of the trail near Myrtle Falls.
Overall, the views and photographic opportunities far exceeded my expectations.
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