I arrived at the trail head 8 a.m. and the parking lot was about half full.
The trail is broad and relative flat at first because if follows an on old road bed.
You must cross the creek by a fallen log. Dense brush lines the trail with little room to move around. It has a closed in field.
Much of the first part of this trail was easily navigable.
But after a mile or so the trail changed, almost like a falling barometer. You know when the trail changes because you must go downhill and cross a wooden bridge. There is a big area of fallen rocks you must pass through, about 30 or 40 yards.
Next, you reach where the trail splits to go up to the falls or to the lake. I skipped the falls thinking I'd do it on the way back but I ended not doing it up at all.
From this point, the trail narrow. You enter a phase where there are numerous staircases. Trail crews did a snazzy job of making these stairs and it does help. But there are a lot of staircases to climb, many switchbacks. There are a lot of rocks on the trail, as well, so take it easy and bring poles if you have them.
The trail crews also made some really cool causeways. I have photos below. They put a lot of effort into them.
But the rocks are moist and a bit slippery. I had to take great care going down. I lost my balance a few times and broke one of my hiking poles. This is not an easy trail to navigate. Make sure you are well rested before you head down because you will get tired.
The lake is beautiful. There is a wooden bridge that crosses over a creek along the way. There are a few places to stop and enjoy the lake, including the slick rock area where everyone stops to have lunch. I am including some photos below.
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