I started this hike around 830 on a beautiful sunday morning. It was pretty easy to find the starting point because tall the trails were easily maker. I was able to get a free map at the visitors center. which i actually managed to misplace within the first 2 miles. But good thing i had also written down the directions on a separate piece of paper. anyway. it was very sunny for most of the hike, and all though there was water in the frog lake, the two creeks were completely dry- which was sad, but don't worry – if you follow the instructions- it still should lead you the right way. ( i was confused when it said rock hop past the creek since there was no water) anyway, the “short cut” was very steep and there reaaaally is a bench at the top of it- so keep pushing yourself. make sure you rest when needed since like i said most of this is not very shady. id suggest bringing a hat and plenty of water. the actual peak isn't a peak at all, just the highest point of the hill, so if you're gonna take a food break id suggest doing so after the short cut ( at the previously mentioned bench) or you can sit on the side of the trail ( what i did- there are some nice logs 🙂 )
anyway jack ass trail was pretty faint and a little scary- only because i kept picturing i would step on a poor animal or something but it was fine. just keep following it eventually you get to the main trail and its a lot wider.
BUT YOU STILL HAVE TO GO UPHILL
don't worry once you get to the last 2ish miles or so its way easier. i finished around 245
will definetly have to go back and explore some more.