Thanks for that report, Michael, and yes, you did go at a good time of the year to avoid the biggest crowds at popular spots like Alice Lake.

The hike has a great combination of some challenging terrain but never really hard, with frequent payoff views of beautiful mountain lakes. Camping at a lake each night provided a beautiful light show for dusk and dawn every day. We were glad that we pushed on to Toxaway Lake on Day 3 – mesmerizing blue lake as you approach from above in the afternoon and then really nice views at lake level. We were there midweek in September, so obviously that impacts the crowds. We also agree that coming over the last pass on Day 4 is a truly fantastic view.

I can see why Alice Lake is a popular shorter overnight destination. There are a lot of campsites tucked away there to accommodate larger crowds, but our timing was such that everyone seemed to be able to nab a more scenic one.

Thanks for another great itinerary.

Thanks, Jeff. You’ll find good fishing in at most of the lakes on this route.

Hi Chris,

While I haven’t been down that trail in several years, I do remember it traversing an overgrown slope with no flat ground, little shade, and little or no easy access to the creek for much of its length. The best options are either at the bottom end of that trail or in the vicinity of Sawtooth Lake.

Good luck.