Once again, we started at the Kiwanis trailhead lot (for more information see my post entitled “Hiking South Mountain's Kiwanis Trail”), and took the Kiwanis trail, which eventually leads to the National Trail (see the pictures below). We crossed the road and followed the sign to take the National trail, and then started climbing up,up,up. This trail is strenuous, and Morgaine and I really enjoyed the challenge.
It’s a narrow trail with a very steep drop-off to the right-hand side as you work your way up.
Morgaine was so excited that she made me wonder if she’s part mountain goat as she skipped up the trail.
It was pretty busy on this Thursday morning, with a lot of trail runners working their way both up and down the path. The challenge for a hiker with a dog, is finding a good place to stop and let the runners go by. So, if you decide to take the National with your dog, try to keep a lookout ahead of you for places to ‘pullover’ and let others pass.
To reiterate, it is strenuous, but if you keep going, there’s a great reward waiting for you. (See the pictures below). I’m not sure what this little overlook is called, but it’s a fantastic spot to rest and have a little snack.
I would highly recommend that you enter the little building in front of your dog and walk the entire circle (there’s a stone table in the center of the structure that you’ll have to walk around). I found a large piece of glass on the ground and had to kick it away so that Morgaine didn’t end up cutting her paws. You also want to do this check because there could be creepy little surprises waiting inside as well (finding a tarantula or a snake would not make snack-time so pleasant).
We continued on a little further, over the ridge and to the next marker, but Morgaine began to show fatigue and I decided to call it quits.
We still had to work our way back down the National Trail, and all the way back through the Kiwanis Trail, which has some steep areas to climb through. We took it slow, had lots of breaks and plenty of water.
We still had to work our way back down the National Trail, and all the way back through the Kiwanis Trail, which has some steep areas to climb through. We took it slow, had lots of breaks and plenty of water.
This hike is great! Especially if you’re looking to get some serious exercise in.
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