Completed this hike twice. Once as a solo hike on 8/31/18 and once as a group hike on 9/02/18.

8/31 – was a much needed solo hike to recon the trail before leading my friends from HBTH two days later. I stepped off at about 0700. The weather was perfect. About 57 degrees and clear blue skies. Very easy trail to follow. On your way up when you see the signs, always stay to the right. On your way down when you see the signs, always stay yo the left. I summited at 1hr 55min. It was exactly 5 miles. I had the peak to myself during the 30 minutes I was up there. As I began to head down I ran into young man who was just reaching the summit. His only words were, “that last part is steep”. I agree, the final .3 miles to the peak are almost as steep as Iron Mountain's last two miles to the peak. Steep, slippery and narrow but so worth the climb! Coming down got a little warm, but there were various areas that provided shade and a cool breeze as relief from the 90 degree weather. Completed my solo hike in 4hrs 28mins (including breaks and 30 minutes at the peak.

9/02 – Same hike, two days later, with my friends from Hike Beyond the Hills. What a difference a few days makes. Still in the 50's to start the hike. We stepped off at 0600 in the fog. For 5 miles to the summit and during the 45 minutes we spent on at the peak, we had no views further and a few hundred feet due to the fog. Non the less, we had a great time and still enjoyed the trail and summit. Coming down the fog lifted and and the heat increased. It probably got back to about 80+ degrees. Round trip we managed 5hrs 55mins (including breaks and time at the peak).