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| - Fewer people than MaryJane Falls.
More of a challenge than MJF.
Views comparable to MJF at the end. So do the math according to your preference if you're going to remain at the lower elevations.
The first quarter of this trail is a real drag. There's a loose deep-gravel path that makes climbing more difficult than it need be as you begin the ascent. Passing a water tank reservoir at the onset, your heart will not at first be filled with rugged outdoor inspiration and desire. You can discover some of that rugged outdoorsy-ness should you need to relieve yourself behind a tree, as often the parking lot facilities are locked closed, lacking TP, or overrun with trash and turds. Upkeep is sporadic. Part of the reason for that is that the area becomes super crowded at some times during the week/year more than others. This can also make the trail crowded, another sometimes-unappealing aspect. It's not always the best option for getting away from it all, i.e., getting away from people.
But how does one review and rank a trail, as opposed to a business? My metric is how eager I am to return to a trail after I've done it a dozen times already. Interest in TCT is low. It's a necessary evil for those looking to connect to the North Loop Trail a few miles above. Still, it's not the worst evil, as you'll be able to enjoy ample foliage in the fall, and lush green in the spring and summer. There's a lot to be said for that alone.
The trail itself is clean and clear, so positive marks for that, and it's a solid challenge in that you'll gain some 1,600 feet in 2 miles, topping off at about 9,300ft. If that's all you're looking for, then you'll be satisfied. It's a hard effort that's at least twice as challenging as MaryJaneFalls on the other side of the parking lot, but it's a trail with a boring send-off and dull switchbacks the remainder of the way. There's not much variety of terrain and scenery. If you return to the parking lot during sunset, you might catch some vibrant colors in the opposite facing cliff faces.
Anyway, at the end/intersection with North Loop, you're rewarded with some stunning views if you continue to the right and go to the rocktop overlook. Many of my best MtCharleston photos have been taken here. Thus, in the end, TCT is A-Ok, not bad not great, but you'll need to use it to get to Mt Charleston's more stunning trail options above. Keep going, hikers, there's more to discover!
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