Elk Mountain — Attraction in Cooperton

The hike is challenging if you're not prepared; you definitely need extra water and hiking shoes WITH GOOD GRIP. I walk fairly often (likely on mostly flat surfaces, now that I think about it), but I was exhausted by the time I got to the top. Going uphill is MUCH harder than going down. However, with a couple of breaks, I made it to the top and was rewarded with some breathtaking views.

I'd also recommend downloading an offline map or bringing a compass of some sort. I got lost coming down the mountain and basically made my own trail by boulder...

The normal elk mountain hike is a sort of bland, 45 minute round trip, an hour with picture taking, and not super inspiring on its own. However, the keen explorer will find potential here in the way of boulder hopping, fun discoverable rock formations, and caves to be explored (not without proper equipment and experience). Having that info and necessary ability, this goes from a 2 star hike to a five...

Beautiful and challenging trail. Not hard, but it'll wear you out. Keep going and explore off trail once you're at the top. Trail is very well marked except the first quarter mile. You can figure it out without one, but an offline map helps tremendously. Once on the mountain it's very...