Early on Mount Saint Helena

Reading up on reviews of this trail had me well prepared for what to expect: nice, forested first mile followed by an exposed fire trail up to the summit. Given it’s August and it can get hot, I started just after the sun came up which provided me a little bit of shade once I hit the fire road. But the fire road does get boring despite the stunning views. I generally don’t hike with headphones, but I was happy to listen to an audiobook on the way up and back. Other than a pair of guys in an ATV on their way up to one of the antennas, I didn’t see a soul until I was just about back to the trail head. The incline on the fire trail was wonderful – not particularly steep at all. The only steep parts I found were the 100 or so yards before the trail hits the fire road and then the last stretch to the summit. Otherwise it was really a lovely time. Bring sunblock for the fire road, and some bug spray (anywhere there was shade the gnats came out in force).