Ashland Lakes — Monday, Jun. 10, 2019

Never been up to Ashland Lakes so gave it a whirl. As reported the road is in poor condition- think skiing moguls with your vehicle but instead of bumps it's holes.  Trailhead is nice though and well maintained. Reports of slips and falls not exaggerated- we ran into a gentleman who had just fell and cut his arm pretty good even though the weather was warm and trail mostly dry. I wore softer soled shoes with more give (New Balance hikers) and had great traction even on damp rocks and mossy, damp boardwalk. Hike was enjoyable (as any hike is) with enough to see and hear to keep it interesting. Ran into a mouse dead-center of the trail and it would not move. At upper Ashland the bugs became an issue- swarms of gnats and some mosquitoes so bring the "Off". Partway down the access road is a gravel pit used for target practice so be prepared to hear gunshots possibly.