This hike was a true test of endurance and determination! After an hour-and-a-half drive, we started at 8:30 AM—a bit late for my liking, given the heat and altitude. The first 2.5 miles were a grueling, steep ascent, where I almost passed out twice. But the solitude of the trail was invigorating, the kind of quiet that makes you feel one with nature.

As we climbed past the service road, the fall colors came alive—golden yellow oak leaves lining the path, painting the scenery in autumn's finest hues. The views were rewarding, and the sense of accomplishment was unparalleled.

On the way back, we picked up the pace, making up for the tough ascent. I surprised myself by completing this challenging (for me anyway) hike in 4 hours and 12 minutes of active hiking time—a personal best for such a demanding trail!

This marks the fifth hike of my Six-Pack Challenge, leaving me feeling accomplished and energized to tackle the final one in a couple of weeks. Let’s finish strong!