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started out at the a.t crossing on 108, at 7am the trail was wet and was like hiking in a rain forest. we had no troubles even on the steeper ledges near the summit. it took maybe 2 hours to summit.we made a loop hike by passing the summit and headed down the cliff trail. this trail is very steep and also very slippery when wet. unfortunately for us it was very wet and we had to crab walk some areas on the down climb. there are a couple of metal handles to hold onto in one spot but the rest of the way we were on our own. I lost a hiking pole down a cravass in the rock because I was throwing them down to the next flat spot, and one went 30 feet down into the cliff. I have three hikes to go on my N.E. 4k's and was uncomfortable going down the cliff trail when wet .
If its dry maybe ok. I would recommend going down the long trail. The ski slope road was steep and under construction. the people said we could go down it even though the sign said trail closed. The walk back to the car was about a mile or less and is uphill. we got back at 12:30 . this loop is longer and more dangerous if wet.
hiking poles were useful on the way up but a major pain on the way down the cliff trail. a length of rope would make a slippery ledge easy, maybe. good boots a must on slippery rocks.
comments: I should have worn my Scarpa boots, instead I wore a new pair of Merrell geomorph . the soft rubber cleats just bent and release there grip a couple of times on the cliff trail, I hit the rock hard. Those hard soles of the Scarpa , Asolo ,and other euro boots could have helped. LIVE IT UP,TRAILBLAZER
If its dry maybe ok. I would recommend going down the long trail. The ski slope road was steep and under construction. the people said we could go down it even though the sign said trail closed. The walk back to the car was about a mile or less and is uphill. we got back at 12:30 . this loop is longer and more dangerous if wet.
hiking poles were useful on the way up but a major pain on the way down the cliff trail. a length of rope would make a slippery ledge easy, maybe. good boots a must on slippery rocks.
comments: I should have worn my Scarpa boots, instead I wore a new pair of Merrell geomorph . the soft rubber cleats just bent and release there grip a couple of times on the cliff trail, I hit the rock hard. Those hard soles of the Scarpa , Asolo ,and other euro boots could have helped. LIVE IT UP,TRAILBLAZER
