Grand Forest East to Hilltop Loop
Discovered a new entrance I wasn't aware of for Grand Forest East. Park your vehicle at the normal Mandus Olsen lot, then instead of immediately entering Grand Forest, hike directly west down the hill where Mandus Olsen curves until it dead ends. There will be a green park entrance sign there (see photo).
Hike along a rarely trafficked trail, loop to the bridge, then take the Ron Williamson Trillium Trail to pop out at Hilltop's lovely grass prairie. From there enjoy the sun and the mountain views before heading SW along the dirt road trail back to the Mandus Olsen parking lot.
It's a lovely change of pace for exploring the park and can easily be lengthened to be greater than the two miles we did this morning. Route is doggo friendly, just have your pup on a leash and pick up any poop.
Here's a link to the GPS tracks: https://www.gaiagps.com/public/xjiTQ8GNhWjRBygaGRvzsgzc
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