Mint Springs Loop

From the parking area, find the Fire Trail and begin the ascent gradually to the west. Around 0.4 miles, look for an old homesite before continuing up to an intersection with the Big Survey Trail. Turn right (north) as the climb becomes much steeper with a handful of switchbacks. Within a half-mile, you'll arrive at the high point of the hike, only a mile from the trailhead with just over two miles left. Follow the contours to the southwest with occasional viewpoints (better when the leaves are down). Around the 1.5-mile mark, you'll rejoin the Fire Trail to follow the southwest boundary of the park toward another old homesite and a small traverse of Little Yellow Mountain. Around the 2.4-mile mark, stay to the right (north) to connect with the Mountain Orchard Trail for a short loop on the south side of the lake before returning to the main lakeside area and parking.