Hex Mountain — Saturday, Nov. 23, 2019

This is a great shoulder season day hike, with good views and southern exposure most of the way.  The first half of the hike on old roads (a "social" trail) can be confusing if it is your first time, but following the path on your smartphone using REI's Hiking Project will allow you to make the right choices when the roads fork.  The second half of the hike steepens as the route ascends up the ridge, also providing excellent views in all directions.  At 3 miles, bear right at the burned-out trail junction, making your way to the summit by first traversing south of the peak, and then back-tracking along an easier scree slope where the views are spectacular.  While the route is used seasonally by dirt bikers, the trail is in great shape.  No bikers today, and only a few other hikers were up there with me.  This 7-mile, 2,700-foot elevation gain is a good workout, but well worth the effort!