![]() ![]() The path from the lower parking lot to the bridge is steep and made of rocks/stones/tree roots. Had elderly in-laws and a couple of people with foot issues with us who had to turn around and drive to the top to get to the Swing Bridge. We were told it was a short 0.4 mile to the top and was relatively easy do and all hikers had to park in this lower lot. One thing to note -the rangers stop you at a parking lot right before you can drive up to the top. Climbing on the rocks surrounding the bridge was fun and the views were spectacular. It was shorter than I thought and not as high up from what i imagined. The Mile High Swing bridge was good but not what I expected. The Sphinx rock formation does not look like a Sphinx at this time (due to erosion over time). The museum was closed and the animal habitat was lackluster with few animals. Pricey for what was available during our visit. We hope to come back to this park in the future. You can’t control the weather people! Don’t get mad at park staff doing their jobs! Maybe have an alternate day you can visit the park during your visit to Elk Banner so you can plan for inclement weather. Come to realize when I checked my bank account, I already had a refund! Also, he gave us recommendations of what else we could try to see before driving back north. I figured, “he will forget to cancel, I’ll call later”. This was our last stop before our drive home, so naturally we canceled, no fee or anything! The ranger took my name and said he would take of our cancelation. He offered for us to a) change the time of our admission to later in the day, but said the weather and visibility would be poor all day, and they may not be able to re-open, b) change the day of our admission, or c) cancel. I also swear at one point it was sleeting! In MAY!While we were waiting for our tour and the gates to open, a ranger came up and apologized but said the park was closed due to wind and dangerous, quickly changing conditions. The day we planned to go to the park, it was 40 degrees at 8am and wind gusts up to 60mph. Now I can say I've accomplished it, but don't think I'd do it again.Our visit wasn’t much of a visit, but I am writing a review to highlight the great park staff. I had to keep encouraging myself that "I could do it" " I got this" I'm grateful my husband was there to enjoy it with me. I have to admit, I am beyond proud of myself for making it!! I never would have thought I was capable of such a strenuous hike. The two of us went through 5 bottles of water. Please be prepared if attempting this hike. We gave them a bottle of water and some oranges. Met some people who were not prepared with anything. We took our time, stopped for water and to chat with other hikers and wait our turn for the obstacles. We finished the trailin just under 5 hours. It was a long trek back as our muscles were screaming at us and our knees were feeling every step. Luckily we made it down safe and the rain didn't last much longer. I was terrified of slipping off one of these ladders and falling to the bottom or slipping and going right over the edge. The problem is that EVERYTHING becomes EXTREMELY slippery and there is no cover from the rain pelting you in the face. Upon our decent, we reached the 3 ladders straight down and the skies opened up and started to pour. Which was just as intimidating as the way up was. The clouds were coming in so we decided to head back down. We decided that was far enough and not to continue to Callaway Peak. I was determined and we finally made it to McRae Peak. One missed step and you're gone over the edge of a HUGE cliff. ![]() Once you get toward the top, there is lots of areas that are super sketch. I suggest one at a time as it's hard when someone behind you is wiggling the rope trying to climb up too. It gets slippery when you're sweaty or it rains. The hand ropes weren't nearly as hard as I thought they would be. Some are straight up and some have a bit of a lean. They are secured well into the rock and seem sturdy. The ladders are all slanted a bit to the left or right, making it feel off. The ENTIRE trail is a mix of scaling rocks, climbing up ladders, using hand lines to climb up and balancing. the first rope area and ladders are just to get you into a false sense of accomplishment. Its straight up and over rocks to get to a trail. This trail gets you right from the start. I was almost in tears at times because of fear (especially when it started to rain) I'm not in the best shape, but amaretto active in kayaking and outdoor activities. This was the longest, most terrifying 2.6 miles of my life. It's mine and my husband's 25th anniversary and we decided to have an adventurous week. I'm not a young person anymore and knew it would be a challenge, but wanted to attempt it. Wasn't sure if icould make it with all the ladders and rope pulls. I looked up reviews and information on the hike to Gallaway Peak. ![]()
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