I visited McKenzie Table Mountain Preserve back in April of 2017 during the Open Preserve Day. I went on a docent-led Discovery hike then, and did not end up going to the top of Table Mountain. I knew I had to do it before my departure. Luckily, one of the Meetup groups was going there, so I decided to join them.
The hike was scheduled at 9 AM, and parking was free outside the gate since we took Wellbarn Road Trail instead of going through McKenzie Table Mountain Preserve. The weather was rather cool, a bit foggy with moderate air quality - not too bad. The hike started out relatively flat, but very quickly we were going downhill.
Not to worry, the uphill was coming since we were going all the way to the top. I wore at least five layers, so I knew I could easily undress a few if I got hot. It was 45 degrees Fahrenheit as the ascend began, and soon enough I took my first layer off. I paced myself so that I would not need to take off more layers (yes, I am lazy to stop). The uphill was steep, but not very long, only a mile or so.
As we reached the top, we spent some time walking the perimeter of the Table Mountain, taking pictures and videos, chatting with cows and finally stopping at a small picnic area for a short lunch. I had my Kind bar since I was not very hungry (all this food over holidays and lazy days lounging on the couch just don't do any good and make you plump). Shortly after, we got up and headed back.
The way back was rather peaceful and warm, although the air quality continued to deteriorate. The hike took about 4.5 hrs with multiple stops and breaks, 8 miles and about 1,600 ft elevation gain. After several months of no hiking I consider this a success.
