Tubal Cain Mine — Tuesday, Jul. 15, 2025

This was an awesome hike, even for a slightly inexperienced hiker like myself. I wish there were better views of the ridge through the trees. Most of the rhododendrons were already wilted. We only made it to the first mine entrance but definitely want to go back and see the rest that this trail has to offer. There are a few spots on the trail that have zero room for error or you’re going to find yourself rolling down the cliff. Very few places to sit and take a break off the trail. We stopped and ate lunch at a creek right before the mine and had no issues with bugs, surprisingly. I did have to swat away a few but that’s it. Horseflies were definitely a nuisance along the trail, mostly in the sunlight.

The trail is mostly uphill on the way to the mine with a few leveled out spots and then mostly downhill on the way back out. Never saw any wildlife but definitely saw evidence that the wildlife was nearby.