My goodness! I knew it was going to be challenging and long, but no that much! The peak was like a mirage; you’d see it but it never seemed to get any closer. In terms of challenge and terrain, the beginning is tough. Little to no shade. We did see a wolf spider. The middle was my favorite, the ferns were pretty and there’s two stream crossings. Saw a wood pecker and 4 deers on the way back. The end is the worst! When we asked another hiker how long was left, he said: “about a mile  – it’s not too bad until you get to the road and the last bit is the worst, cuz its steep and you’re already tired!” HE WAS RIGHT! It was mental battle to finish at the end.

Invest in trekking poles! Bring lots of water, but there is a water refill station at the top. There are restroom at the peak as well. Would suggest an earlier start. We started at 8:15am-ish and got back at 7pm-ish. Sun was just on the edge of sunset when we got back.