Hamilton Mountain/Phlox Point
Start: Hamilton Mountain Trailhead
Parking: Medium, paved lot. Discover Pass ($10 day pass pay station available).
Distance: 14 miles
Gain: 3,000'+
Summits: 2,900' and 2,400'
Directions: We went from the Hamilton Mountain Trailhead for about 3/4 mile to a junction with the Equestrian Trail under the power towers, where we went right. Came to Hardy Falls, Rodney Falls, and Pool of the Winds after 1/2 mile. Very cool bridge! At the next intersection, we went straight (East), up to the summit, passing by the exposed rocky spires on the way. At the summit we turned left and went down to the saddle. Here we went left on the forest road, then almost immediately went right onto Don's Cutoff Trail. Meandered downwards through the woods to another forest road, where we went right (upstream). Followed PAST the bridge that we ended up crossing, before we came to the next junction, taking a left down a footpath that doubled back to the bridge. Followed this trail to the Hardy Ridge Trail, where we went right (uphill, upstream). Switchbacked up to a 5 way intersection at 2,500'. We took the somewhat hidden trail going up the ridge to Phlox Point. Backtracked down to the Hardy Trail all the way until we reached a junction with another forest road, where we went left. Soon after, we crossed Hardy Creek and went right at the next trail junction. The next junction reunited us with the original trail, just after the falls. Backtracked from there.
Conditions: The trail was mostly wide and even with easy to moderate steepness. One exception was a short stretch at the summit of Hamilton mountain where the trail was thinner; surrounded by tall brush. The biggest exception was the highest ridge above 2,500' to Phlox Point. This trail involved a little bit of bushwhacking and rocky terrain.
Worth it?: Yes
(Phlox Point looking South, with Hood)
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