This was a great place to start after taking some time off. The trail is clearly marked and easy to follow. There were a lot of hikers with pets (and I noticed more pet feces than on other hikes). It had just rained the day prior, and as such, the trail was a bit muddy. This was not a problem for 95% of the hike. However, when reaching and descending from the summit, the mud made the incline difficult. I would say that trekking poles will aid with both ascending and descending from the peak. All-in-all, it was a wonderful day hike. The elevation was manageable and the sight from the peak was great. A few things: Due to the government shutdown, the restrooms were closed. The candy store across the street also sells sandwiches, pies, candy and other assorted goods. I recommend checking it out.