5.1 Trail Miles / 11.6 Actual Miles
US 276 Trailhead (1069.3) - Looking Glass Rock Overlook (1074.4) - Segment 2

The day was perfect fall weather: 60*F and a nice breeze with blue skies overhead. The trail started out steep and overgrown. I got a beautiful view from the power lines. Wildflowers and thorn bushes were encroaching big time on the trail. About 1.7 miles into the hike, I hit 200 total miles on the MST! I felt so accomplished and made a rock mile marker to celebrate. Riley is in my backpack today because she doesn’t seem like she’s feeling well, and I didn’t want to make her walk. The inclines and declines were steep all day.

The trail itself was beautiful, passing through mountain laurel groves and meadows. Wildflowers were everywhere. The Cherry Cove Gap Overlook had the most stunning views of the day, although Looking Glass Rock Overlook was a close second. Tourists offered to take my photo with Riley at each overlook. I took the 400 yd side trail to the Looking Glass lot to sit and snack and enjoy the view. I passed the Dragon Tree on the side trail to the parking lot. It looks like a mythical creature.

The 5.1 miles back to the car was easier on the downhills and very hard on the uphills. But I did it in 2h 10 min instead of the 3 h it took to do the out part of the out and back. It was a good hike, but I’m beat.

Music:

Loving Caliber / If That’s OK with You (Instrumental Version) / courtesy of https://www.epidemicsound.com

Phello / Wishful Thinking / courtesy of https://www.epidemicsound.com

Sum Wave / Tropical Minds / courtesy of https://www.epidemicsound.com

Onda Norte / Summer Feelings / courtesy of https://www.epidemicsound.com