Black Mountain –

I got dropped off at 11am on Sunday, there were 3 spots open + 2 handicapped spots. Finished at 3:30pm and the parking lot was full (handicap spots were still open). Excellent hike but the first and last miles are difficult. The first 0.9 mile on the Rhus Ridge trail connecting to the Black Mountain trail is a killer warmup, and the last mile to the summit is equally difficult. And then you have to come down all those steep slopes. I saw quite a few people using hiking poles, probably would be useful for the downhills. I checked out the backpack camp as well. Quite a lot of shade on this hike compared to other peaks, could be a good summer hike. Lots of beautiful Christmas berry, mushrooms, and gold back fern.