I was on the trail at 06:28 with a nice cool temperature of 58 degrees, zero bugs. Perfect hiking weather under a blue sky. The trip from the new trail head is just over 4 miles round trip (4.1). We took our time and enjoyed the cool, shady, and quiet trail. My GPS logged 2275 max elevation. My total trip time which included my break on the summit and a few in between was 3:24. That number is subjective as everyone hikes differently. But it gives a general time frame.
I was pleasantly surprised at the amount of trail maintenance work that has since been completed. There was some trail hardening done in a few areas, added stairs that were new, and it seems like a couple of reroutes that occurred as well. Thankful for the work of the trail crews.
Misty and I enjoyed a half hour on the summit to ourselves before heading back down.
The only item that stood out for me was the wooden stairs just below the summit. While the intent is to help with erosion and hikers, the tread spacing is not convenient, it may even be dangerous. While I navigated them on my way up, I couldn't help but remember Jerry Lewis, the actor, as I stumbled and tripped my way up. The rise of each step is no more that 3 inches which makes it difficult to use.
Still a great day with excellent views.
