Today's hike was a challenge for me. I had done the hike before from the bottom parking lot (lots of people start at Bald Mountain and that's still about 3. something miles from the top, so if you start there it is still a good hike!) but starting where I did makes it about 8 miles to the top and 8 miles back. The last time I finished it I did fall and hurt myself. So i was excited to go back and try again, knowing what I was getting into. As part of the challenge it was going great until about 3 miles from making it back to my car I realized I dropped my keys and had to climb back up to retreat them. i think I added about 6 miles to the 16 I originally intended to. I was definetly beat afterwards.

The weather was great, not as foggy as I'd liked but not too hot either. If you do start at the bottom trail via Barlow Rd/Woods Trail, the first 4.5 miles or so are very steep and only some shade. After that the incline isn't as bad and there is significantly more shady spots. Lots of butterflies and lizards along the way. Caught some deer my first time up around 9 am, and after that not much more wild life. pretty flowers along the way.