This week's routes

Three routes worth your Saturday

The reservoir trail is finally clear of snowmelt, the fire lookout reopened after four years dark, and one route on this list should not be attempted alone. Here is what we are hearing from rangers, and from you.

Kestrel Ridge, north approach

8.2 MI · 2,100 FT GAIN · HARD

The south trailhead is still washed out past the second creek crossing, so start from the gravel lot on Cutter Road instead. The payoff is a ridge walk with views of both valleys at once, about ninety minutes in.

Miller's Pond loop

3.4 MI · 380 FT GAIN · EASY

A flat, shaded loop that stays cool past noon, which matters this week. Bring the kids, bring the dog, skip the bug spray, the mosquitoes cleared out with the cold snap.

Fire Lookout Trail

6.1 MI · 1,650 FT GAIN · MODERATE

Closed for four seasons after storm damage to the access road, reopened last Tuesday. The lookout tower itself is still off limits, but the clearing beneath it is worth the climb on its own.

"Made it to the ridge with my seven-year-old, took us five hours but we did it."

Priya, sent in from the north overlook this weekend