Back to back hikes that replaced the overgrown hike with the muddiest one in the mountains.

Laie Trail

Thanks to Ferlino for driving Akira, Chris, Tessa, and myself all the way into the road to start at the trailhead. Saved us a whole ten minutes!

Laie Trail

Chris giving the surf report from the mountains.

Laie Trail

Hiking by artificial illumination.

Laie Trail

The sunrise peeking through the grove of Norfolk pine trees.

Laie Trail

Traversing the cleaned up landslide.

Laie Trail

Is this the summit or the falls? Trying to fool the new guy.

Laie Trail

Akira poking his head out of one of numerous trenches that were dug on the side of the trail during WW2. They were to be packed with explosives and set off in case the Japanese military had invaded Oahu after the attack on Pearl Harbor and wreck the trail.

Laie Trail

Some people are not easily fooled or scared.

Laie Trail

Passing the replacement sign on our way to the summit.

Laie Summit

Enjoying outstanding panoramic views of the Windward and Leeward sides at the 2,240′ foxhole.

Ko’olau Summit Trail (KST)

Stepping foot on the spine of the Ko’olau Mountains.

KST

Contouring our way through the mountains.

KST

The group crossing the bowl shaped depression.

KST

Initial contact with the fence on the trail.

KST

Traversing through the uluhe carpeted trail.

KST

Climbing up the steep fenced hill.

KST

Akira embracing the suck.

KST

Why did the hikers cross the fence? To get out of the cold biting wind.

Koloa Cabin

Brief stop at the largest cabin on the KST.

KST

Back on the trail again.

KST

Tessa climbing in and out of the notch.

KST

Rounding the corner on one of the few sections of the trail that was devoid of overgrowth and mud.

KST

Who pushed Tessa down? The wind? The clouds? Akira?

KST

Vangee training with the speed bag for his upcoming match with Naoya “The Monster” Inoue.

KST

Tree hugger.

KST

Winding our way through the mountains.

KST

Approaching the group of mossed over trees that signaled we were close to the summit.

Papali Summit

A much needed break from the exhausting mud and overgrowth on the trail.

KST

Sole and soul sucking mud as we crossed the gated fence.

Rabbit Hole

The KST sign has seen better times.

KST

They were four constant companions on our hike today: mud, overgrowth, fence and clouds.

KST

Navigating through the KST has been made much easier with the fence line.

KST

Traversing through the cloud soaked rolling hills.

KST

The clouds finally relented and cooperated in providing us with valley and coastal views.

KST

Crossing the fence and meadow to reach the other side.

KST

Mountain views in the background.

Da Boot

Group photo at the iconic boot KST sign junction. The boot has seen better days as well.

KST

Talk to the glove.

KST

Staying on the right as we climbed up another hill.

KST

Leaving the fence temporarily behind as we descended down to the mud soaked trail.

KST

Exiting the gate to contour around the ridge line.

KST

Flowering lobelia against the backdrop of Pu’u Ohulehule.

KST

Entering our last gate on the KST.

Poamoho Summit

We pushed against the wind to make our way to promising views of Punalu’u and Kahana Valleys.

Poamoho Summit

Group photo at the 2,520′ grassy hump.

Poamoho Summit

Checking out our mountain mileage at the Cline Memorial.

Poamoho Trail

Halfway to the trailhead.

Poamoho Trail

Reflective trailhead.

Poamoho Road

A big shout out to Chico who drove up 4.4 miles up the road which meant we only had to walk roughly 1.6 miles down the overgrown and puddled road. Thanks also to Gordon and Nick for getting the gate combination over to us.

All pau

We ran into a cow blockade further down the road, infinitely preferable than a cow stampede. Glad we were safely encased in a truck when our paths met, otherwise we would have to learn to be paniolos on the job.

GPS Tracks

Our muddy hike covered 16.72 miles that could have been longer if not for Chico’s timely intervention. Punishing hike with old and new friends. Post hike meal at Popeyes on base where leaving our muddy tracks on a freshly mopped floor was not well appreciated.

Photos taken by Akira Suzuki, Chris Bautista, Tessa Bugay, and yours truly. Not necessarily in order.

Note: I have been made aware that some hikers have been using my blog as a hiking guide and getting lost on the trails. Please note that this blog was made to document the hike for the crew(s) that did it. That is why some of my comments will seem to have no relevance or meaning to anybody outside of the crew(s) that hiked that trail. My blog was never meant as a hiking guide, so please do not treat it as such. If you find inspiration and entertainment from these hikes, that is more than enough. If you plan on replicating these hikes, do so in the knowledge that you should do your own research accordingly as trail conditions, access, legalities and so forth are constantly in flux. What was current today is most likely yesterdays news. Please be prepared to accept any risks and responsibilities on your own as you should know your own limitations, experience and abilities before you even set foot on a trail, as even the “simplest” or “easiest” of trails can present potential pitfalls for even the most “experienced” hikers. One should also always let somebody know of your hiking plans in case something doesn’t go as planned, better safe than sorry.

Back in the mountains after weekends of pounding the pavement. Met up with Aida under flashing lights in trees which probably kept the chickens up.

Laie Trail

Going up the heavily eroded and rutted section of the trail.

Laie Trail

Walking underneath the towering Norfolk pine trees.

Laie Trail

Traversing over the cleaned up landslide. Hats off to HTMC for all their hard work and trail clearing.

Laie Falls

It’s not only the sounds of running water, it’s also the sign that results in the urge to urinate. Fresh water was wasted in the making of this photo.

Laie Trail

Passing the steep cliff on the right and huge drops on the left.

Laie Trail

Reaching the replacement sign as we soon crossed paths with the KST.

Ko’olau Summit Trail (KST)

Stepping foot on the most overgrown section of the KST.

KST

Where’s the other shadow?

KST

Fluttering and weathered flags marked the trail’s path through the dense overgrowth.

KST

Trudging through a somewhat exposed section of the trail.

Malaekahana Junction

Reaching the junction with the ridge that goes back down the namesake ridge that also has another waterfall.

KST

Following the faint trail with the pinwheeling windmills in the background.

KST

Forced smiles at one of our small breaks on the trail.

KST

Halfway there!

KST

Going under, contouring and convoluting our way through the trail was the common denominator of the day.

KST

Pushing through a seemingly impenetrable barrier of uluhe ferns, clidemia, strawberry guava trees, strangling vines and other plant life that seemed determined to poke, pull and generally make life miserable for hikers passing through their land.

KST

Face in the forest.

KST

Passing a pruner in the branches.

KST

Are we there yet?

Pu’u Hina

Group photo at the Pupukea Summit, which is also the junction for the “lost” Kahuku Trail.

KST

Dropping off the summit as we raced the sun sinking below the horizon.

Black Junction

The official end or start of the Ko’olau Summit Trail.

Pupukea Trail

When you don’t get the scare that you expected. Picked the wrong person. Thanks to Tessa for meeting us up on the trail and picking us up.

Pupukea Trail

Where the trail meets the road. Don’t miss the junction Auntie!

All pau

Walking in the darkness back to our cars where not paying attention gets you a bloody nose at the gate.

GPS Tracks

Our overgrown KST hike covered 13.2 miles through a punishing trail that abused you six ways to Sunday. Post hike meal at Kenko-ya, where the location needs to be updated on Google so everybody can meet up at the correct spot.

Photos taken by Aida Gordon, Tessa Bugay, and yours truly. Not necessarily in order.

Note: I have been made aware that some hikers have been using my blog as a hiking guide and getting lost on the trails. Please note that this blog was made to document the hike for the crew(s) that did it. That is why some of my comments will seem to have no relevance or meaning to anybody outside of the crew(s) that hiked that trail. My blog was never meant as a hiking guide, so please do not treat it as such. If you find inspiration and entertainment from these hikes, that is more than enough. If you plan on replicating these hikes, do so in the knowledge that you should do your own research accordingly as trail conditions, access, legalities and so forth are constantly in flux. What was current today is most likely yesterdays news. Please be prepared to accept any risks and responsibilities on your own as you should know your own limitations, experience and abilities before you even set foot on a trail, as even the “simplest” or “easiest” of trails can present potential pitfalls for even the most “experienced” hikers. One should also always let somebody know of your hiking plans in case something doesn’t go as planned, better safe than sorry.

It was that time to pay another visit to the least trafficked area of the KST.

Poamoho Road

Playing paniolo on a mechanized beast of burden while corralling cows back into their pastures.

Trailhead

Thanks to Edgar and Lilia for dropping us off at the start of the trail as it started to drizzle.

Poamoho Trail

Group photo, left to right: Ryan, Chico, Tessa, Aileen and myself.

Poamoho Trail

Dead roof rat on the trail. Rodent traps on the trails attempt to curb the scourge that attack native animal and insect populations.

Poamoho Trail

Hiking on the graded path, which the US Army once considered making this a jeep road all the way to the summit. The start of WW2 scuttled those plans.

Poamoho Trail

Halfway point. Checking for cannibals. Not cannabis.

Poamoho Trail

Crossing over the largest of the landslides that shut down the trail back in March 2021.

Poamoho Trail

Heading into the side gulch above a small tributary of Helemano Stream

Poamoho Trail

Crossing the stream, which marked less than 10 minutes to the summit.

Poamoho Summit

Windy group photo at one of the best summit spots on the island with sweeping views of Punalu’u, Kahana and Ka’a’awa Valleys.

Cline Memorial

Seeking shelter below the stone memorial before resuming our hike.

Ko’olau Summit Trail (KST)

Contouring our way below the ridge line.

KST

Going through the fenced rolling hills in the cloud soaked mountains.

Boot Junction

Taking our group photo at the iconic boot that has stood witness in these mountains for many years.

Boot Junction

Why did the hikers cross the fence? To get to the other fence.

KST

Following the fence line for daze.

KST

What am I doing here? Or maybe he’s just rubbing his eyes.

Rabbit Hole Junction

Ready for more mud?

KST

Some embraced the suck, while most avoided it like the plague.

KST

I remember when there was no fence line or gates, just a thin trail through the overgrowth.

Papali Junction

Somebody with the longest arm took our group photo.

KST

Pushing our way through the bog like landscape.

KST

Is this the trail?

KST

Taking a break from slogging through the mud soaked and overgrown trail.

KST

Winding our way through the verdant mountains.

KST

Traversing on the exposed ridge line.

KST

Climbing out of the notch and towards the cabin.

KST

Sloshing through the mud as we regained the fence line.

Koloa Cabin

Approaching our home for the night. Would Tessa’s gamble pay off?

Koloa Cabin

Wash time.

Koloa Cabin

Enjoying our brief and somewhat dry spell in the cabin as we plugged holes so no rats would come around, filtered water, cooked ourselves dinner and most of the group medicated themselves to sleep for the night.

Laie Trail

Day 2
Chris started early on the hike that is a study in contrasts according to Stuart Ball, to join us at the summit.

Koloa Cabin

We cleaned up the place and took a parting group shot.

Koloa Cabin

Leaving the most spacious cabin on the KST.

KST

Tessa getting her feet back in the mud.

KST

Going down the steep fenced hill.

KST

Ryan against the background of the Waianae Mountain Range.

KST

Following the fence line for the last time on this trail.

KST

Dropping down into the bowl shaped depression.

KST

Meandering our way through the mountains with sweeping views of the coastline.

Laie Summit

Meeting up with Chris at the 2,240′ foxhole of a summit.

KST

Leaving the summit behind us as we resumed our hike on the trail.

KST

Man on the ridge line.

KST

Following the trail carved into the sides of the mountains as it meandered through the Ko’olau Mountain Range.

KST

We can thank the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and the US Army for carving the KST out of the mountains back in the 1930s.

KST

The KST was not made for hikers but rather for the military and pig hunters to access the previously inaccessible mountains.

KST

Tree hugger.

KST

Halfway there! Let’s have lunch.

KST

Back on the trail that was in serious need of trimming and then some.

KST

Face in the tree.

KST

Taking a break from the cloying and constant overgrowth.

KST

Let’s go that way. Never argue with a man with a machete.

KST

Going through the forest that was seemingly covered with moist moss.

KST

Rainbow in the mountains.

KST

Somebody looked slightly annoyed as we followed the trail that no longer looked like a trail.

KST

Climbing our way back up to the ridge line.

KST

The group emerging from the forest of constant poking and pulling.

KST

Approaching our last summit of the weekend. We were not out of the woods yet.

KST

Crawling through tunnels of overgrowth.

KST

I fought the uluhe and the uluhe won.

Pu’u Hina

Somebody disentangled the leaves, sticks and ferns in her hair while somebody else self-medicated their private parts. Turn away. Not safe for children.

Pu’u Hina

Group photo at Pupukea Summit, no need to stand up. This is also considered the junction for the abandoned Kahuku Trail built in the 1920s that has since been reclaimed by Mother Nature.

KST

Leaving the summit behind us.

Black Junction

The “official” end or start of the Ko’olau Summit Trail.

Pupukea Trail

We were still not out of the woods yet and caught the setting sun as we made our way down to the road.

Military Road

The one and done crew exiting the trail.

Military Road

Height check.

Military Road

Less walking, more running. You got a wife to meet at the bottom of the road.

Military Road

Things that go BOO in the night. Got me good.

All pau

Big shout out to Lilia for waiting several hours over the projected exit time and picking us up at the end of the dark and deserted road. Post hike meal was not at the much anticipated, mouth watering Haleiwa Joe’s thick cut of prime rib. Due to the late hour, we ended up eating at the nearby McDonald’s. In the parking lot.

GPS Tracks

Our grueling and taxing camping weekend with a good group that weathered the hike with a couple scratches to spare and ferns stuck in odd places covered over 18 miles where the country is still country.

Photos taken by Aileen Agustin, Chico Cantu, Chris Bautista, Ryan Meyer, Tessa Bugay and yours truly. Not necessarily in order.

Note: I have been made aware that some hikers have been using my blog as a hiking guide and getting lost on the trails. Please note that this blog was made to document the hike for the crew(s) that did it. That is why some of my comments will seem to have no relevance or meaning to anybody outside of the crew(s) that hiked that trail. My blog was never meant as a hiking guide, so please do not treat it as such. If you find inspiration and entertainment from these hikes, that is more than enough. If you plan on replicating these hikes, do so in the knowledge that you should do your own research accordingly as trail conditions, access, legalities and so forth are constantly in flux. What was current today is most likely yesterdays news. Please be prepared to accept any risks and responsibilities on your own as you should know your own limitations, experience and abilities before you even set foot on a trail, as even the “simplest” or “easiest” of trails can present potential pitfalls for even the most “experienced” hikers. One should also always let somebody know of your hiking plans in case something doesn’t go as planned, better safe than sorry.

Met up with Art, Chris and Tessa to finish off my last section of the KST in the dry town of Laie.

Laie

Art and Chris were running fashionably late due to traffic and plumbing problems, so Tessa and I pushed off on the trail to wait for them. We saw the signs that Uncle Pele will be missed, so will the coconut signs that only a lawyer could love.

Laie Trail

Hiking up the section that only a dirt biker can love.

Laie Trail

Passing through the pine tree section.

Laie Trail

Heading up through the corridor of strawberry guava trees. Art wasn’t feeling himself, so he turned around to grab a snicker bar at the bottom and went back home.

Laie Trail

Tessa making her way to the summit.

Laie Summit

Group photo at the top with Lobelia Hill behind us.

Ko’olau Summit Trail (KST)

Hi Ho Hi Ho, it’s off to bushwhacking we go! We push, pull, chop and get poked and whacked. Its what we do on a hike.

KST

The first stretch wasn’t actually that bad. It was mostly exposed ridge hiking with waist high shrubbery and false holes liberally sprinkled on the trail.

Malaekahana Junction

Chris planted his spare glove to mark the junction that has seen the green sign and other gloves come and go.

KST

Enjoying the fresh air and scenery while we can before plunging into head high overgrowth.

Kahuku Junction

Wallowing in the trails that the feral pigs have expanded and muddied.

KST

Making ourselves at home in the patch of uluhe ferns while we took our lunch break.

KST

Eye see the face for the trees.

KST

Tessa enjoying a break in the head high overgrowth …

KST

… before plunging back into the forest on steroids which at times forced us to crawl like our primate ancestors.

KST

Standing around the overgrown gully that we thought we had missed. The trail has gone back to Mother Nature and all her children.

Pu’u Hina

Tessa waving the machete that didn’t meet a single branch or fern, not at her hands at least.

KST

Going down another endless corridor of strawberry guava trees.

Black Junction

Celebrating my 15th finish of the KST with two of my oldest hiking friends. Salamat for the company!

Paalaa Uka Pupukea Road

Walking on the road that is being rebuilt and resurfaced. Return of the Stryker Brigade?

All pau

Mahalo to Lilyn and Quan for meeting us at the end of our 13.12 mile traverse across the muddy and overgrown KST and taking us back to our cars. Post hike meal at Ted’s Bakery. Lots of mustard packets were there for the taking to be used for future hikes.

Photos taken by Chris Bautista, Tessa Bugay and yours truly. Not necessarily in order.

Note: I have been made aware that some hikers have been using my blog as a hiking guide and getting lost on the trails. Please note that this blog was made to document the hike for the crew(s) that did it. That is why some of my comments will seem to have no relevance or meaning to anybody outside of the crew(s) that hiked that trail. My blog was never meant as a hiking guide, so please do not treat it as such. If you find inspiration and entertainment from these hikes, that is more than enough. If you plan on replicating these hikes, do so in the knowledge that you should do your own research accordingly as trail conditions, access, legalities and so forth are constantly in flux. What was current today is most likely yesterdays news. Please be prepared to accept any risks and responsibilities on your own as you should know your own limitations, experience and abilities before you even set foot on a trail, as even the “simplest” or “easiest” of trails can present potential pitfalls for even the most “experienced” hikers. One should also always let somebody know of your hiking plans in case something doesn’t go as planned, better safe than sorry.

I bit off more than I could chew on today’s hike. I was a tad ambitious in thinking that I could traverse from Poamoho to Pupukea in a single daylight day. My lack of fleetness and the punishing overgrowth and mud had me throw in the towel and cutting the hike short at Laie. I still spent a whole day in the mountains by myself. Forest time. Solitude time.

Poamoho Trail

A big thanks to Richie and Roseann for dropping me off at the trailhead. The overgrowth on the jeep trail was really out of hand which cut the driving time to a crawl.

Poamoho Trail

Going up the graded trail which looked like it was recently cleared and ate my banana breakfast at the halfway point.

Poamoho Summit

The winds were blowing the clouds away at the summit. Breathtaking as always.

Ko’olau Summit Trail (KST)

I left the Cline Memorial and the overgrowth was already impasssable on the trail, so I dropped to the fence line and followed it to the gate. A bad harbinger of things to come.

KST

Passing a lobelia plant that seemed on the verge of blooming.

Boot Junction

One hour after leaving the summit, I reached the boot that has seen better days.

KST

I elected to save my energy and plowed right through all the mud pits scattered along the trail. It takes too much energy trying to detour around them and not get muddy. Why stave off the inevitable? Embrace the mud. People pay good money to soak in mud. I was getting it all for free.

Rabbit Hole

My head was hunkered down as I was trying to make good time and before I knew it, I had overshot the junction and was almost at the doorstep of the Army Cabin. #*$@*!

Papali Junction

The weather had took a turn for the worse as I reached the Papali Junction complete with a spanking new sign.

KST

Meandered through the mountains as the trail contoured around the hills with trails that seemed to be surrendering back to Mother Nature in spots.

KST

Pushing my way through mud pits and clouds of uluhe, clidemia, thimbleberry thorns and other plants soon sapped my energy. I was not making good time.

KST

Taking a load off my legs as I rested on the scenic rock looking out towards the Waianae Mountain Range.

Koloa Cabin

I reached the cabin at 1pm, which was significantly slower than my last solo trek. I decided that the overgrowth was probably going to be worst past Laie based on how things were going, so I took a break at the cabin and decided to bail down Laie.

KST

Leaving the fence line behind me as I pushed towards Kawailoa.

KST

Descending down towards the bowl shaped depression.

Laie Summit

I reached my last summit at 3pm. My body and mind had enough of the KST today. The sole-sucking mud and punishing overgrowth had totally taxed what meager willpower I had in me. Excuses. Excuses. Excuses.

Laie Trail

Going down the six mile trail with another brand new sign.

Laie Trail

Passing the waterfalls where I heard some trail runners laughing ahead of me. Wish I could have laughed at that point. I was just bone tired.

All pau

My hike covered almost 16 miles through some of the worst overgrowth on the trails that I have witnessed in recent memory. Thanks to Quan for picking me up at the end. Post hike meal at Kenko-ya where everybody knows your name or at least your favorite dish. Order at the door. Better than door dash.

Note: I have been made aware that some hikers have been using my blog as a hiking guide and getting lost on the trails. Please note that this blog was made to document the hike for the crew(s) that did it. That is why some of my comments will seem to have no relevance or meaning to anybody outside of the crew(s) that hiked that trail. My blog was never meant as a hiking guide, so please do not treat it as such. If you find inspiration and entertainment from these hikes, that is more than enough. If you plan on replicating these hikes, do so in the knowledge that you should do your own research accordingly as trail conditions, access, legalities and so forth are constantly in flux. What was current today is most likely yesterdays news. Please be prepared to accept any risks and responsibilities on your own as you should know your own limitations, experience and abilities before you even set foot on a trail, as even the “simplest” or “easiest” of trails can present potential pitfalls for even the most “experienced” hikers. One should also always let somebody know of your hiking plans in case something doesn’t go as planned, better safe than sorry.

I was unable to fly out to attend a good friends wedding on Kauai, so I camped in the mountains instead this Memorial Day weekend.

North Shore

Thanks to Jess for giving Elena and myself a ride to the North Shore and Patrick Rorie for inviting me on an uncommon HTMC three day camping hike, Pupukea to Schofield-Waikane. However, plans had changed and so the direction of the hike was detoured to start at Laie instead. The original route was still open, so I joined Gordon and Nick as we got dropped off at the Boy Scout Camp.

Boy Scout Camp

Mahalo to Gordon’s daughter for dropping us off in her spanking brand new car. Nick, being the dutiful DOFAW employee, signed in for us at the start of the trail.

Pupukea Paalaa Uka Military Road

The road has been almost completely repaired from all the erosion damage over the past years. Bring back the Stryker Brigade! Joke.

Pupukea Paalaa Uka Military Road

Leaving the road for the trail. Saying goodbye to civilization for the weekend.

Black Junction

The start or end of the “official” Ko’olau Summit Trail (KST). Black Junction was named after sections of the mountains that the Army had color coded. Learn something new every day.

Ko’olau Summit Trail (KST)

Pushing our way through the dense uluhe ferns, which are surprisingly endemic and not invasive.

Pu’u Hina

Leaving Pupukea summit after taking a short break at the top.

KST

Arriving at the halfway mark after hours of insufferable overgrowth, which resulted in more bushwhacking and no picture taking.

KST

The overgrowth for the most part soon tapered from head high to knee high overgrowth.

Laie Trail

Somebody made a new sign marking the trail that was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps back in the 1930s to reach the Ko’olau Summit Trail.

Kawailoa

Making our way down to the bowl shaped depression. The original plan was to pitch tent on the summit of Kawailoa. However, inclement weather had a say in persuading the group to look for a more hospitable habitat. Unfortunately, Jess had enough of the cold weather and had bailed down the Laie Trail. The three of us decided to hunker down in the sheltered shadow of the summit.

Kawailoa

Day 2
The next morning, we emerged from our tents to another repeat of the rain parade from yesterday.

KST

Sloshing our way through the mud filled trail.

KST

We saw an unnamed waterfall in the distance being fed by the weekend showers.

KST

Going over the fence where we soon met up with the rest of the group. Eric, Gordon and Nick decided to go ahead of the main group, while I decided to hang with the group to meet new faces.

KST

Winona leaving the fence line behind her as we soon began our mud-filled journey of meandering through the Ko’olau Mountains.

KST

Sandy and Patrick traversing the small notch in the trail.

KST

Betsy and Josh going across a rather open area of the trail.

Papali Junction

Lunch break at the summit with Angela, Betsy, Elena, Josh, Pat, Patrick, Sandy and Winona. Radio communications established that Eric, Gordona and Nick were at what I like to call the “Rabbit Hole.”

KST

Winona experiencing deep mud immersion. People pay good money to get treated like this.

KST

Our last group photo at the “Rabbit Hole” with Elena, Josh and Winona who had decided to visit Opaeula Cabin while I continued my forward progress on the mud and rain soaked trail.

KST

Large sections of the fence line had been replaced which resulted in the trail being temporarily cleared of the overgrowth.

KST

The boot junction marked that I had roughly an hour to the summit.

Poamoho Summit

Last reunion with my original hiking buddies for the weekend before they continued to the cabin for the night and one more day of hiking to go down the Schofield-Waikane Trail. A big shout out to Art, Richie, Roseann and Tessa for driving up the jeep road with home made permit in hand to collect me at the summit and walking back down the trail to their 4×4 which saved me an extra five miles of unwanted walking.

Poamoho Cabin

Taro farmer at work. The pickings were rather slim today.

Poamoho Summit

Celebratory consumption of my favorite carbonated beverage on trail and off trail. #14 in the books.

Poamoho Trail

Tessa hiking on the trail, bum knee and toe. Trooper.

Poamoho Trail

Giving myself a facial cleaning. Am I using it wrong?

Poamoho Trail

Post hike meal shared with the mosquitoes at the trailhead. Mahalo to Roseann and Tessa for cooking Papaitan and Pork Adobo. Broke da mouth.

All pau

Going down the jeep road, we picked up two immensely grateful hikers who had underestimated the trail.

GPS Tracks

The two day holiday weekend hike covered 18.16 miles through the muddiest and overgrown sections of the Ko’olau Summit Trail. Mileage varied for the other hikers in the group. It was a nice meet and greet hike with one of the oldest hiking clubs in the islands. The mountains had claimed my sunglasses and one set of Nick’s micro-spikes, to be hopefully regurgitated one day to their rightful owners.

Photos taken by Art Young, Gordon Lau Jr, Nick Vargo, Tessa Bugay and yours truly. Not necessarily in order.

Note: I have been made aware that some hikers have been using my blog as a hiking guide and getting lost on the trails. Please note that this blog was made to document the hike for the crew(s) that did it. That is why some of my comments will seem to have no relevance or meaning to anybody outside of the crew(s) that hiked that trail. My blog was never meant as a hiking guide, so please do not treat it as such. If you find inspiration and entertainment from these hikes, that is more than enough. If you plan on replicating these hikes, do so in the knowledge that you should do your own research accordingly as trail conditions, access, legalities and so forth are constantly in flux. What was current today is most likely yesterdays news. Please be prepared to accept any risks and responsibilities on your own as you should know your own limitations, experience and abilities before you even set foot on a trail, as even the “simplest” or “easiest” of trails can present potential pitfalls for even the most “experienced” hikers.

Back for a mud bath. Good for the soul and your body. Or so they said. Or was it you will have fun? Photo by Barry Lau.

Trailhead

A big shout out to Daryl and Edgar for driving us from Laie to the trailhead.

Poamoho Trail

The trail actually looked in better shape than the last time we saw it. Marked improvement. Kudos to the individual(s) or group(s) responsible for slowly restoring the trail back to its former self.

Poamoho Trail

Crossing over another landslide section. Photo by Barry Lau.

Poamoho Trail

Art passing underneath a testament to the raw power of Mother Nature as she constantly changes the terrain.

Poamoho Trail

Looking out to the still ravaged trail. Photo by Art Young.

Poamoho Trail

It would have been something to have been witness to the raw fury that was unleashed in these mountains over six months ago. From a safe distance of course.

Poamoho Trail

Scrambling over a couple small blowdowns. Photo by Barry Lau.

Poamoho Trail

Leaving the maintained one for the unmaintained trail. What a relief.

Poamoho Trail

Catching the fleeting views. Photo by Art Young.

Poamoho Summit

Barry soaking in the sun while it lasts. Photo by Art Young.

Ko’olau Summit Trail (KST)

Passing the escargot holding area as we crossed through the gate and the mountains untamed views. Photo by Art Young.

KST

Contouring below the fence line and a very old landslide. Photo by Art Young.

KST

Back on the fence line with windows of the views peeking through the clouds.

Boot Junction

It helps to be tough as old shoe leather to hike this trail.

KST

Standing at the crossroads. One way to the waterfalls and the other way to more mud than you can shake a shoe at. Tough decisions.

KST

Group photo before going down the rabbit hole. The very muddy hole.

KST

Barry experiencing the immersive experience of one of the deepest of the mud pits to be found on the trail.

Papali Junction

Taking a short break at the terminus that also leads down into the Windward side. But that was not our route today.

KST

Throw in a pinch of overgrowth and mixed with the mud for good measure. Photo by Barry Lau.

KST

Looking out towards the Windward coastline as the seemingly monotonous trail meandered its way through the mountains.

KST

Art putting the rock to good use. Never mind the rat carcasses littered around him.

KST

Barry climbing out of the notch that signaled that we were close to regaining the muddy fence line that would take us to the most spacious cabin on the KST.

Koloa Cabin

Locked up tighter than a drum.

KST

Climbing down the steepest section of the trail. Photo by Barry Lau.

KST

Making our way down through the bowl shaped depression.

Laie Summit

Clear views all around us at the 2,240′ foxhole.

Laie Trail

Descending down the convoluted ridge line. Photo by Art Young.

Laie Trail

Making our way down the side of the steep cliff.

Laie Trail

No side trip to the refreshing pool below us. Photo by Art Young.

Laie Trail

Going back down the long rut of an eroded trail. Photo by Art Young.

All pau

Mahalo to the friendly farmer that gave us a ride halfway out the road.

GPS Tracks

Our muddy grinder of a hike covered over 15 miles through the Northern Ko’olau Mountains with good company. Post hike meal at Jade Dynasty where we arrived, some more dirty than others, to celebrate Narissa’s 39th birthday. Say what?

Note: I have been made aware that some hikers have been using my blog as a hiking guide and getting lost on the trails. Please note that this blog was made to document the hike for the crew(s) that did it. That is why some of my comments will seem to have no relevance or meaning to anybody outside of the crew(s) that hiked that trail. My blog was never meant as a hiking guide, so please do not treat it as such. If you find inspiration and entertainment from these hikes, that is more than enough. If you plan on replicating these hikes, do so in the knowledge that you should do your own research accordingly as trail conditions, access, legalities and so forth are constantly in flux. What was current today is most likely yesterdays news. Please be prepared to accept any risks and responsibilities on your own as you should know your own limitations, experience and abilities before you even set foot on a trail, as even the “simplest” or “easiest” of trails can present potential pitfalls for even the most “experienced” hikers.

We went back to the land of cannibal chickens where the grass needed to be mowed and the bushes trimmed back. Wishful thinking.

Trailhead

Thanks to Daryl and Lilyn for shuttling Art, Barry, Chris, CJ, Quan, Tessa and myself from Laie. Photo by Daryl Cacatian.

Paalaa Uka Pupukea Road

When the scare doesn’t go off as planned.

Paalaa Uka Pupukea Road

Repairing the road for the return of the Stryker Brigade? Photo by Art Young.

Pupukea Trail

Leaving the road for the trail. Don’t let the hunting dogs make you miss the turn off. Inside joke. Photo by Art Young.

Black Junction

Group photo at the traditional start of the 52 mile plus traverse along the Ko’olau Mountain Range.

Ko’olau Summit Trail (KST)

Pushing our way to the first summit of the day. Photo by Art Young.

Pu’u Hina

What do you do when not everybody wants to get up from their posterior to take the group photo. Ghetto improvisation.

KST

Leaving the summit for overgrown pastures. Photo by Art Young.

KST

Keep to the left to stay on track. Detour to the right to go off exploring the other side of the hill.

KST

Pushing our way through the overgrowth.

KST

Quan’s hair got into a tussle with Mother Nature. Guess who won? Photo by Art Young.

KST

Flagging the trail. Accidentally.

KST

Group photo at the halfway spot.

KST

Making our way to the lunch spot. What? The lunch spot!

Maleakahana Junction

From one hand to another. The old glove marker was getting long in the tooth.

KST

The overgrowth tapered off as … Photo by Barry Lau.

KST

… the trail meandered through the Ko’olau Mountains. Photo by Art Young.

Laie Summit

Group photo at the foxhole left to right: Art, Chris, myself, Quan, CJ, Tessa and Barry.

Laie Trail

Leaving the 2,240′ summit.

Laie Trail

It was all downhill on the six mile graded trail punctuated with native forest, slippery rocks, uluhe ferns, landslides, pine trees and rutted trails.

Laie Trail

Passing the steep cliff on our left and coastal views on our right.

Laie Falls Junction

Somebody’s idea of washing their spikes in the waterfalls went out the window as the day became longer than expected. Photo by Art Young.

Laie Trail

Art in the middle of the stand of towering pine trees.

Laie Trail

Keeping up with the goat. Photo by Barry Lau.

Laie Trail

Some people come down in their own different ways. Photo by Art Young.

All pau

Catching the pine tree filtered sunset on our way down as we finished our 13 plus mile hike filled with stifling overgrowth and good company. Photo by CJ Mendiola.

GPS Tracks

Some people had to rush to go home and the beach. The rest of us had our post hike meal at Zippy’s where some people like to pay for expensive soup sans the oxtail.

Note: I have been made aware that some hikers have been using my blog as a hiking guide and getting lost on the trails. Please note that this blog was made to document the hike for the crew(s) that did it. That is why some of my comments will seem to have no relevance or meaning to anybody outside of the crew(s) that hiked that trail. My blog was never meant as a hiking guide, so please do not treat it as such. If you find inspiration and entertainment from these hikes, that is more than enough. If you plan on replicating these hikes, do so in the knowledge that you should do your own research accordingly as trail conditions, access, legalities and so forth are constantly in flux. What was current today is most likely yesterdays news. Please be prepared to accept any risks and responsibilities on your own as you should know your own limitations, experience and abilities before you even set foot on a trail, as even the “simplest” or “easiest” of trails can present potential pitfalls for even the most “experienced” hikers.

Back to the muddiest section on the KST to help another friend connect his dots. Photo by Katie Bingham.

Trailhead

A big thanks to Edgar for driving Art, Katie, Tessa and myself up the mud caked jeep road. At one point, we thought we might either have to get out and walk or push. Photo by Art Young.

Poamoho Trail

We all answered the call of nature in our own ways as we started on the trail.

Poamoho Trail

So far, it was just another day on the same graded trail that we have hiked countless times. Photo by Katie Bingham.

Poamoho Trail

We turned around the bend and it became a totally different day and trail. Photo by Art Young.

Poamoho Trail

Looking down straight to the stream. Photo by Art Young.

Poamoho Trail

Didn’t there used to be steps around here? Photo by Art Young.

Poamoho Trail

The landslide had wiped out the trail down to the rock in some sections. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Poamoho Trail

Crossing the loose and unstable topsoil on the trail. Photo by Katie Bingham.

Poamoho Trail

Another perspective looking back at the mass wasting on the trail.

Poamoho Trail

Katie going up what I call the drainage ditch.

Poamoho Trail

Finding our way over a massive blowdown that was covered with a carpet of uluhe ferns. Photo by Katie Bingham.

Lost & Found

It wasn’t Art’s size, so he returned it to its rightful owner. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Poamoho Trail

Mother Nature had scarred the side of the ridge as she took everything down in her path. Trees, stones, dirt and plants got pushed down to the stream. Photo by Katie Bingham.

Poamoho Trail

Art crossing over the new trail. Photo by Katie Bingham.

Poamoho Trail

Standing on the exposed rock. Photo by Katie Bingham.

Poamoho Trail

This was by far, the most devastating rupture that the landslides did to the trail. Photo by Art Young.

Poamoho Trail

Katie contouring her way around the massive landslide.

Poamoho Trail

Tessa scrambling her way across the slippery slope. Photo by Art Young.

Poamoho Trail

Katie threading her way through the last major blowdown.

Poamoho Trail

Art stepping carefully on the fallen trees as he made his way across. Some of us weighed more than the others. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Poamoho Trail

Working my way around some trees to make my way across to some other trees. Photo by Katie Bingham.

Poamoho Trail

Art traversing the last landslide on the trail.

Poamoho Trail

I was sure glad that we were off the maintained trail and hiking the unmaintained portion of the trail. Well, that’s what the sign said.

Poamoho Trail

Heading into the gulch to go over the stream crossing.

Poamoho Trail

Approaching the cloud soaked and wind blasted summit. Photo by Katie Bingham.

Poamoho Summit

The clouds soon cleared, but the winds stayed behind. Good enough for photographic opportunities.

Cline Memorial

Leaving the 2,520′ summit behind us for mud soaked trails and spectacular ridge, valley and coastline views. Photo by Katie Bingham.

Snail habitat

Unlocking the gate that set us free on the KST, but not the snails. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Ko’olau Summit Trail (KST)

Art contouring below the fence line on an old landslide. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KST

Misty mountains. Photo by Art Young.

KST

Art standing on the historic KST carved out of the mountains in the 1930s overlooking the Leeward ridges and the Waianae Mountain Range. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KST

Tessa pushing up the hill to reconnect to the fence line. Photo by Art Young.

KST

Art and Tessa approaching the intersection where the old and new trails meet.

KST

Following in Art’s deep footsteps through the muddy spots on the trail. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KST

Catch me if you can.

KST

Going down the fence line as it followed the convoluted landscape. Photo by Art Young.

KST

Approaching the iconic boot junction. Soon to be replaced by the more iconic slippah. Photo by Art Young.

Boot Junction

Some of us got booted off the sign.

Boot Junction

Going over the fence line.

Fence Meadows

Crossing the spongy ground to get to the other side. Photo by Art Young.

Fence Meadows

Standing on the fence to get a better view of the valleys below us. Photo by Katie Bingham.

KST

Enjoying a more expansive view further up the fence line. Photo by Art Young.

KST

Looking at Opae’ula Cabin in the distance. Photo by Katie Bingham.

KST

Going down the fence line down where we soon detoured and followed the trickling stream bed to explore a waterfall. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Waterfall #1

Nothing to write home about … Photo by Art Young.

Waterfall #1

… but good enough to take a photo. Photo by Art Young.

Kaluanui NAR

We kept to the left to stay on trail. Go to the right to see more waterfalls. Photo by Art Young.

KST

Huh. What the hell. Oh my gosh. Disgusting. It was disgusting. Level inflection was maintained throughout. Photo by Katie Bingham.

Kaluanui NAR

Is this the beginning or the end?

Rabbit Hole

Pushing through the overgrowth on the mud soaked trail. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KST

You know it’s getting serious when somebody puts on their gloves, the mud was deep. Photo by Art Young.

KST

The fence sprawl has gradually spread throughout the mountains. Photo by Katie Bingham.

Papali Junction

I was too hungry and cold to smile at the camera. Slurping down a hot bowl of pho was priority on my list. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KST

Katie coming up through a corridor of moss encrusted trees.

Waterfall #2

Looking at another massive landslide on thankfully another ridge with a small gurgling waterfall besides it. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KST

How long have I been hiking with this stick?

KST

Art making his way on the somewhat narrow trail masked with overgrowth and pitted with false holes and tripping roots, branches and vines.

Scenic rock

Tessa skirting around the scenic-less rock, but gave it a hug nonetheless. Photo by Art Young.

Waterfall #3

Spotting a waterfall coming out of the mountains. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KST

Meandering our way through the KST. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Waterfall #4

Another waterfall spotted running off the side of the mountain. This is probably the most waterfalls I have seen on this section of the KST. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KST

Art climbing his way out of the notch. We are almost there! To the cabin that is.

Waterfall #5

Looking at a waterfall coming out of the landslide. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KST

We soon regained the fence line which meant we were close to the cabin. Locked? Unlocked? Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KST

Disgusted much? Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Koloa Cabin

Some of us didn’t handle our approach down to the cabin as gracefully as the others.

Koloa Cabin

No liquor was consumed in the production of this photo.

Koloa Cabin

Outside the cabin that had a new door and fresh paint.

Chariots of Fire

The traditional mud race upon leaving the cabin. Art enjoyed the fruits of victory, while I enjoyed the spoils of the pungent mud. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Waterfall #6

Spotting our last waterfall on the nearby ridge. Malaekahana Falls? Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KST

Art making his way on the trail that was covered and carpeted with cascading uluhe ferns.

Dale’s Birthday

Aida, Dale, Cisco, Hana, Jenn, Lilyn, Quan and Sally had hiked up the Laie Trail, frolicked in the waterfalls and ended at the summit. While waiting for us, they celebrated a past birthday.

KST

Sloshing through the bowl shaped depression. I was so over the mud. Photo by Art Young.

Laie Summit

Trying to beat the clock as the group didn’t want to wait one minute past the hour. Photo by Quan Haberstroh.

Quan’s Birthday

Celebrating a future birthday.

Laie Summit

#15. Pouring my traditional celebratory champagne over Art to congratulate him for completing his last section needed to finish the Ko’olau Summit Trail which spans from Makapu’u to Pupukea. Welcome to the club. No secret handshake, just an empty champagne bottle to mark your induction.

Laie Summit

Group photo left to right: myself, Katie, Aida, Quan, Tessa, Art, Lilyn, Sally and Cisco.

Laie Trail

Taking our leave of the 2,240′ summit. Photo by Art Young.

Laie Trail

Working our way down the muddy trail. Photo by Sally Chow.

Laie Trail

Brushing our way on the uluhe carpeted ridge line.

Laie Trail

You guys call this a landslide? Photo by Art Young.

Laie Trail

Flanking the side of the steep cliff. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Laie Trail

Somebody was overly optimistic in saying we could get down within 90 minutes. You’re the forgetful hiker and not the fast hiker. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Laie Falls Junction

We became night marchers in more ways than one, from this point down to the road. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Laie Trail

The Hawaiian version of bread crumbs. Photo by Sally CHow.

All pau

Exiting the trail where we passed one farmer who was surprised to see us, possibly thinking we were poachers. Shout out to Cisco and Quan for driving us back to our cars in Mililani. Most of us just wanted to crawl into a shower and hit the sack, so no post hike meal today.

GPS Tracks

Our 15.5 mile hike had an unforgettable beginning and a memorable finish through the Northern Ko’olau Mountains. Congrats again to Art for completing the KST.

Note: DLNR has shut down Poamoho Trail as of March 15, 2021 due to trail conditions.

Note: I have been made aware that some hikers have been using my blog as a hiking guide and getting lost on the trails. Please note that this blog was made to document the hike for the crew(s) that did it. That is why some of my comments will seem to have no relevance or meaning to anybody outside of the crew(s) that hiked that trail. My blog was never meant as a hiking guide, so please do not treat it as such. If you find inspiration and entertainment from these hikes, that is more than enough. If you plan on replicating these hikes, do so in the knowledge that you should do your own research accordingly as trail conditions, access, legalities and so forth are constantly in flux. What was current today is most likely yesterdays news. Please be prepared to accept any risks and responsibilities on your own as you should know your own limitations, experience and abilities before you even set foot on a trail, as even the “simplest” or “easiest” of trails can present potential pitfalls for even the most “experienced” hikers.

It was time to help another friend complete the Ko’olau Summit Trail (KST). Photo by Art Young.

Trailhead

Thanks to Jasmin and for the gate being open which resulted in us being dropped off directly at the beginning of the trail. Tessa was answering the call of nature which resulted in her missing the call of Uber, so Ferlino double backed to pick her up to complete the group.

Laie Trail

Katie coming up the heavily eroded and rutted hills.

Laie Trail

Ferlino at the technical start of the trail.

Laie Trail

Going through one of multiple blowdowns that are peppered throughout the trail.

Laie Trail

Taking a break in the shade from the sweltering sun as we waited for the rest of the group to catch up. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Laie Falls Junction

When the scare doesn’t go as planned. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Laie Trail

Ferlino showing his flexibility while holding a sharp blade. Photo by Art Young.

Laie Trail

Approaching the steep cliff on the trail. Photo by Katie Bingham.

Laie Trail

Katie making her way on the Windward side of the ridge.

Laie Summit

Art and Ferlino ascending towards the 2,240′ summit.

Summit shenanigans

Booty grab. Shake it like a salt shaker. Manipulate and articulate like a toy. Noon nap. Geocache.

Laie Summit

Group gyrations at the foxhole.

Ko’olau Summit Trail (KST)

Lilyn showing us the way. Photo by Katie Bingham.

KST

Passing underneath scattered native palm trees. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

KST

Enjoying the trail conditions while it lasted. Photo by Katie Bingham.

KST

Bushwhackers at work on the trail. Photo by Art Young.

KST

Looking out towards the rugged Waianae Mountain Range. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

KST

When the marker hits your olfactory senses before your visual senses. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Maleakahana Junction

The wilted marker looks like it needs a dose of nature’s sildenafil.

KST

Contouring our way through the Northern mountains. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

KST

Tree huggers. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

KST

Picking our way on the trail that was littered with false holes and shin high branches.

Hawaiian Candy

Chris playing with his food. Somebody didn’t listen to their parents growing up. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KST

Halfway there. Are we eating lunch in this mud? Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Lunch time

Trying to keep most of the noodles in the cup and less on the back pack. Not very successful, I might add. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

KST

Back to our regularly scheduled program of bushwhacking. Photo by Katie Bingham.

KST

Taking nature’s eye test.

First aid

Despite staying away from sharp objects, somebody still got cut. Photo by Art Young.

KST

Tessa testing out nature’s cushion. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

KST

Katie pushing her way through the almost constant overgrowth on the trail. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

KST

Lilyn looking towards the heavens to ask if we are almost there. Photo by Art Young.

KST

Make way for the pinay with the machete! Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Pu’u Hina

Group photo at the northernmost summit on the KST, left to right: Lilyn, Quan, myself, Ferlino, Katie, Art, Tessa and Chris.

KST

I want a picture too! All downhill from the 1,860′ summit. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Are we there yet?

We met Aida coming down the trail as Lilyn did a head count. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Black Junction

Pushing to the finish line where one cold can of Coke and a haku lei awaited. No pushing allowed. Dale, Jennifer and Narissa and two dogs, one that was somewhat over friendly were waiting for us at the sign that marked the end of the KST. I did my traditional celebratory champagne pouring after being coached into an abbreviated congratulatory speech to Katie for completing all the segments that make up the entire Ko’olau Summit Trail. Props to her for joining the KST club and finishing a major hiking accomplishment.

Black Junction

Group photo where not all eyeballs were focused on the same camera, left to right: Dale, Kamalani, Aida, Art, Lilyn, Tessa, myself, Hana, Katie, Jennifer, Petra (Facetime), Narissa, Ferlino, Quan and Chris.

Pupukea Trail

Art making his way out of the forest and back to civilization.

Paalaa Uka Pupukea Road

Where the trail meets the road. Expecting another champagne dousing? Limit one per customer.

Paalaa Uka Pupukea Road

Going down the road that never seems to end. Photo by Art Young.

Paalaa Uka Pupukea Road

Who let the dogs out? Photo by Tessa Bugay.

Paalaa Uka Pupukea Road

Putting in extra cardio training with our dog trainer, Hana. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Paalaa Uka Pupukea Road

Aida shedding some light at the end of the trail. Photo by Tessa Bugay.

All pau

#14. Congratulations again to Katie for finishing the entire Ko’olau Summit Trail which spans over 52 miles from Makapu’u to Pupukea. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

GPS Tracks

Our epic hike with good friends covered roughly 12.3 miles through the most overgrown and densely packed section of the KST, well some thought it wasn’t that bad. Post hike meal on the road sans the cannibal chickens, that included salt and vinegar chicken wings and chilled carbonated beverages. We topped it off with a side trip to McDonald’s to scarf down shakes, McFlurry’s and saimin. Hold the French fries. Thanks to Jasmin and Narissa for the rides back to our cars.

Note: I have been made aware that some hikers have been using my blog as a hiking guide and getting lost on the trails. Please note that this blog was made to document the hike for the crew(s) that did it. That is why some of my comments will seem to have no relevance or meaning to anybody outside of the crew(s) that hiked that trail. My blog was never meant as a hiking guide, so please do not treat it as such. If you find inspiration and entertainment from these hikes, that is more than enough. If you plan on replicating these hikes, do so in the knowledge that you should do your own research accordingly as trail conditions, access, legalities and so forth are constantly in flux. What was current today is most likely yesterdays news. Please be prepared to accept any risks and responsibilities on your own as you should know your own limitations, experience and abilities before you even set foot on a trail, as even the “simplest” or “easiest” of trails can present potential pitfalls for even the most “experienced” hikers.