The hike started out hot and rocky with a narrow trail that only seemed to go up for 6-7 miles. At mile 3 we encountered a huge rattle snake across our path. We were wearing snake guards, which people kept asking about. Could not believe the number of people out hiking who were unaware of the rattlesnakes. No where to go but to scramble up and around the side of a hill. At the top there is a visitor center with the most welcoming airconditioned little theater that goes well with those little ice cream sandwiches they sell. Down side there were hundreds of pincher bugs everywhere! On  the way down we encountered a baby fox, wild turkeys, a hawk,  and an eagle. At mile 13 we hit a camp site only to find out we made a wrong turn and were on the opposite side of the park. A ranger gave us a ride back to the top where we missed our turn. By the end of the day we covered 20 miles. Not bad for a day hike.