Another fantastic hike!  Almost missed the parking lot for the trail coming from the north down 41.  Included a picture which might help.  The bugs were a little annoying to start, but weren't too bad at the top when you were in the sun.  GPS showed 6.16 and 1809 ft for elevation, but Strava said 1612 ft.  Not sure about the difference.  Does anyone else know?  Time was 1:44, but with running/hiking.

There were a good number of people on the trails, but not too many. Wild blueberries were out and about, but most of them were overripe (sigh- maybe next year!).  Most everything was dry and the first peaks of fall could be seen here and there.  One of my favorite things about being outdoors this time of the year is the smell of roasting pine needles- the smell is everywhere and it's heavenly!

As many other folks suggested, counterclockwise is a great way to go.  The Paradise Trail has a few areas of descent which was lovely, especially before hooking up with the AT and heading south towards the peak where climbing grade is much more drastic.  Views were good and the trek down was a smooth steady descent.

I couldn't do this hike as my first in the challenge, but I wish I could have.  It's a great “rev-up” for the others physically and after Greylock, Mansfield and Camel's Hump, the views don't quite compare (good but not as good as the others!)  Still, a solid hike and now I can check the highest point in Connecticut off my list;-).