I was just coming out of Covid and chose this as it's a simpler trail, but I must say that I truly enjoyed this hike much more than anticipated.
The 'mine' is NOT what you have pictured in your head; It's an old Limestone strip mine (1929-35), so there's no mine to spelunk, there is a cool backhoe that makes a great subject to capture with the stunning views.
The trailhead starts off simply in a fire road, stay left or right, because trucks, towing horse trailers, and a lot of bikes come by. Well this part of the trail is also very nice, it's not until you get on the actual trail that you start gaining good elevation and her horizon from every angle is spectacular. Now, don't miss the turn for the trail; if you hit the 2 mile marker on the fire road, then you will have to turn around and go back, keep all trails open to make sure you had the right way. Extremely maintained trail, easy parking and an excellent trail that you can take other trailsfor as long as your legs will last. read more