I had some concern for reptiles, or rather — my bare skin legs as I traversed a narrow trail with dry summer range grass and rocks to either side (the next peak over is named Rattlesnake Mountain) A mountain bike might have provided more clearance and a sense of isolation. However, the only creature that I could spy on this hike was an occasional fast over the rocks lizard. Granville W. Huffaker, an early pioneer and homesteader in the Reno area in whose name this natural open space is preserved, likely furnished this dry grazing feed land for cattle. The beef supplied Miners at the Comstock Lode back in the day. The stone embedded unmarked trails have gentle rises with sweeping views allowing for confident navigation.

I believe that the graphic designers/writers for the PC game MYST received inspiration from this place. The seawall greenway has wonderful views. The interior is laced with trails shaded with Redwoods. Stanley Park has a distinct island feel with Coal Harbour, Burrard Inlet, and English Bay on the perimeter. This is a great close-in escape from downtown Vancouver, BC.

> If you’ve never been on a granite dome before this one would be considered fairly good. But I’ve been on the mother of all Stone Mountains, in Georgia, so this one was anticlimactic. Nevertheless the Stone Mountain Loop Trail with a side excursion to Middle and Lower Falls was a nice afternoon hike. The path is level and well groomed. There is some strenuous rise to the mountain summit and from the Stone Mountain Falls (200 foot cascade), depending on which direction you set out. Attempting to scale the smooth face at the base of the main falls was met with difficulty. Fine sand on hiking boot tread made for poor traction. At the lower side of the park is an old homestead restoration — the 19th century Hutchinson House. It was interesting to me as it had many traditional similarities to the farm of my ancestors. It must have been a hard life but such a beautiful yard setting.

Nice to have a loop trail for continuous new scenery. The reward view from the observation tower (former fire lookout) on the summit ridge line follows a 600 step rise. The 4 mile Moore’s Wall Loop Trail begins behind the Bath House on the Hanging Rock State Park Lake.
Tips:

• Travel counter clockwise to overcome the strenuous bit first.
• Trail narrows to single file in places amongst (thorn) brush
• Watch for critters

Worth a side trip excursion in the Hanging Rock State Park, are various short hikes to access some scenic areas. We sampled the Lower Cascades Falls, a place popular during prime time season as the plunge pool water is refreshing. Its base has easy accessibility.Following an unmarked path around the rock it is possible to reach the top of the falls thereby avoiding the vertical face climb. The course is strenuous, a bit rough, and the navigation can be disorienting. A GPS track is not available for this particular portion as my device remained behind with the shoes and socks for dry keeping. This unmarked path natural area is delicate peat and flora (hand hold grasp) subject to damage. A scramble to the top is not for the faint of heart. Wet rock and moss is slippery, i.e. don’t get hurt. For thrills, it is possible for an amateur (like me) do descend the vertical fall if careful but was a tad dicey.

There must be a way to avoid the annoyance. You can’t see but you sure can feel the web as it brushes across your face. A walking stick swung in an arc while proceeding between trees on the narrow parts? I was on a 5 mile loop but wondering how hikers on a longer hike fare. Perhaps they just tough it out. I think I’d end of talking to myself by the end of the day. I kept thinking that every encounter was a score for some little devious spider tick critter.The New Hope Trail is well marked and mapped by the Division of Parks and Recreation but I had Trails software [opens iTunes] on my GPS device to try, and despite tree canopy interference it worked well.

There was another creature that I came across. After we sized each other up I decided to politely acquiesce.

With plenty of daylight after a light supper at the country Inn we ventured for a walk onto the Glen. The hillsides were once wooded but are now green grass and devoid of trees; grazed for years by sheep. The area, beginning at the River Devon, is now protected and is undergoing a re-creation by the Woodland Trust Scotland. After a short distance but with moderate rise over run we had a commanding view of surrounding farms, hillsides, and the Castlehill Reservoir below. We chose not to linger long as there was a chill with a strong breeze and fading sun.