Rim Rock Recreation Trail, Golconda

A great little hike. The stairs between upper and lower trails were closed and I wish we spent more time on the lower trail, though the upper trail was nicely paved. Worth the visit! From the parking lot, three paths each with different vistas. The center path starts with some stairs up then the rest is paved with stone pavers. This path crosses the top of the rock and is mostly seeing woods--and easy path. At the north end is an observation deck with a good view of the neighboring rock faces. Here, the stairs down would return to the right fork at the parking lot, though the stairs were closed for repairs when we were there, so we continued along the path that ultimately returned via the left fork at the parking lot. This paved path continued views looking down at the ravine and opposing trees. Back at the parking lot, we continued via the right fork. This path leads around the base of hill that the center and left forks cover and is unpaved. There are more interesting paths, bridges, rocks to climb, a creek to optionally cross, and the Ox Cart Cave to see before reaching the bottom of the stairs that would lead (if not still closed) back up to the observation deck. Instead, the lower trail becomes and out and back with a fairly steep return trip up.

Great hike and great scenery as well. The stairs where closed off. Wish I could of went below