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I had a mid-week day off, on purpose, to avoid the crowds. While I wait for the High Peaks to become less crowded, I want to work on my endurance and strength to hike the high peaks; I will be somewhat ready.

My wife and I decided on Bear Den Mountain today. It was our plan-b as we planned to hike Cobble Hill Lookout. However, when we arrived at the trailhead for Cobble Hill, signage stated the trail is closed due to COVID. Not sure of the story on that, but I will look into it.

We arrived at the…

I had climbed Hurricane several times before today; each time previously was in the winter or late fall.

Today's forecast was a bluebird day, with highs in the upper 70s. It was 56 degrees when I left my house at 4 am. It was quite cool, with a steady breeze at 5:15 when I signed the trailhead registry. I had other things planned today, so I needed an early start.

There is something very relaxing about being in the woods as all the critters begin to wake from their slumber. We often go to the…

A nice little hike, especially for a young family, inexperienced/out of shape, or recovering hiker like me. I had read varying descriptions of this hike, describing it as easy, short, and steep in some sections. I did not find it steep at all.

The parking area for this hike is off Route 3, about a quarter mile west of Corey’s road, on the left. It currently is easy to pass up, and miss (if you're approaching from the east) as the entrance is nestled between two sets of guard rails.

We arrived at…

The last time I hiked this mountain was in 2007 with my wife. At that time, there was no parking lot at the trailhead; you would have to park along the side of the road. Now with the parking lot, it is safer for hikers to park and enter/exit their vehicles. Today the parking lot was full when I got done with my hike, and several cars were parked on the shoulder of Forestdale rd.

I signed in at the register just after 7 am. I would be the first hiker on the trail this morning. It was a brisk…

I decided to return to an old favorite conveniently nearby, about 30 minutes drive. It was forecasted to be a Bluebird day, and the weather did not disappoint. I was out the door a bit after 6 am, stopped for gas, and was soon on my way. I had decided today not to take my pups as I felt the trail would be crowded.

I eventually arrived at the parking area a little after 7 am. I quickly grabbed my pack and was soon signed in and headed up. The trail-up is pretty easy to follow, you need to pay…

I decided to take an early morning hike up Poke-O-Moonshine mountain. I'm not one to typically hike in the summer as I generally spend my summer months camping and going on shorter walkabouts. However, the mornings have been unseasonably cooler these last few days, so I opted to get in a hike. I hadn't hiked Poke-O in a while and wanted something nearby.

I was on the trail at 06:28 with a nice cool temperature of 58 degrees and zero bugs. Perfect hiking weather under a blue sky. The trip from…