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| - Excellent hiking and a wonderful park.
So for me, hiking isn't so much about enjoyment and views (although I do get those), but about getting myself into better health. With that being said, I always worried about what it would be like if I were to begin hiking on a trail. As an overweight novice, it was easy to feel discouraged to begin hiking. But I have to say, the trail options this park has makes it easy for ANYONE to enjoy the mountain and the trails.
For me, I began with a moderately easy trail, starting near the small parking lot at the foot of the mountain. Trail 44 starts as a steep climb up to the paved area, then it connects with the large, paved trail all the way to the top. For someone like myself, it was fun and challenging all at once. I get great health benefits from it and it truly is a workout -in the sense that it actually wears me out by the time I get down.
In terms of the views, they are great. 360 degrees and showing the valley from every angle. We are lucky to live in a city that places emphasis on having mountain reserves and great outdoor parks to hang out at. There are several small parking lots at the foot of the mountain, with one larger lot with bathrooms and the ranger's office. Come early and parking anywhere will rarely be a problem. Come late and parking could be an issue if you need to be close.
North Mountain park also has great outdoor facilities for parties or groups wishing to have an outdoor BBQ on the reserve. There is also a nice playground for kids, just south of the main lot. I really appreciate the setup of this park and the rangers who work so hard to keep things in order. There are also park volunteers who climb the mountain daily and pick up any trash left behind. If you see one of them, thank them. They keep the mountain and trails beautiful.
In the end, I easily give North Mountain Park 5-stars. Fitness, fun, BBQ areas, friendly people, and lots of parking are all there. People from all walks of life hike daily so for out of shape folks like myself, there's no worries about feeling "out of place" or anything like that. It is a place for everyone!
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