For our first hike of 2023 (except for snowshoe hikes) we chose a loop of about 10k that took us clockwise from North of Metcalf Rock, around the Mill Creek Valley to Pinacle Rock and through the Duncan Crevices. It was an unusually warm day for April with surprisingly little mud. Coltsfoot and Bloodroot where the only wild flowers we saw, but there were areas carpeted with trout lilly shoots that will bloom soon. The trail is very well maintained with a number of solid bridges and boardwalks.
We enjoyed our lunch on a bench looking across the valley towards Metcalf where we could make out a few hikers but no climbers. We continued along a fairly flat path towards the parking area on 9th sideroad but turned off to follow the Chuck Grant Sidetrail back to the car. The side trail starts with a smooth section, but the ascent at the end was a workout. If we were to bring guests that prefer flat terrain, the section from the 9th sideroad to Pinnacle Rock would be a nice route.
