Was born here, lived most of my life here, and have always hiked only the ridge from toll road. This year, Sunset Ridge to Summit, first timer! Yesterday was the kind of magical day that has New Englanders counting down the number of days like that we have left…while it might not be *the* last one, it just might have been the BEST of the last ones. Fall magic from every direction. Saw hot air balloons in flight on the way to and from the trailhead. I couldn't get over the light green of the lichens with the dark green conifers of the timberline and the purple foliage below. I started late, around 9am, which was a great indulgence! Didn't even need extra layers, just a tank top and hoodie. Took over 4 hrs to get to the top, including the detour to Cantilever Rock — because I'm slow and also because I kept taking photos! I put on a hat and gloves at the summit, but almost didn't need them. There were a few icy spots, but easy to navigate. Trail was busy but not too crowded. The view on the descent was just as spectacular, and I was treated to views of the lake that was too hazy to see clearly on the trip up. Arrived back at parking lot at 5pm (3+h to get down).