Difficulty: Butt Kicker
Elevation Gain: ~3,490
Total Distance: ~11 Miles RT
Forsyth is a kinder, more gentle trail than the Brown’s Point Trail and it offers an even greater reward—far more splendid, panoramic views. Don’t get me wrong, they are both great hikes, but if you can only do one, it should be Forsyth for the gurgling stream that runs alongside the trail for miles and the stellar views at the top. The first 3.5+ miles are mostly shaded with a steady incline. Once you hit the 3.5 mark, the trail takes off its kid gloves and puts your fitness to the test by packing a powerful punch of elevation gain into the last 1.5+ miles. Despite that elevation-packed punch at the end, I’d say this trail is MUCH easier than Brown’s Point Trail even though the mileage difference is less a 1/2 mile and the elevation difference is just a couple hundred feet. If you’re into peak bagging, there are add-on options to Burger Peak (~11.8 miles & 4,268 feet elevation) and Signal Peak. (I’ll update if / when I do those 2.)
Summer 2023 Update
Our rainy winter rewarded us with a refreshing trailside stream up to mile 4. That’s the good news. The bad news—lots of biting flies and mosquitos. Pro tip: Bring bug spray and be on the alert for tics.
Fall 2024
Update June 2026: Forsyth’s amazing comeback after last year’s devastating wildfire: wildlife, wildflowers, and butterflies
Summer Solstice is the longest day of the year, and it signifies the triumph of light over darkness and adversity—hence a perfect time to revisit Pine Valley’s Forsyth Trail to witness nature’s amazing comeback from last year’s devastating wildfire. My 3rd time this month was a charm, as I was rewarded with peak wildflower bloom and the vibrant renewal of both flora and fauna (fawn). You could say that the trail is literally slithering (rattlesnake) with life. It’s truly an inspiration to witness—the shimmering field of purple lupin, like an offering at the feet of the charred and scarred skeletal remains of pines, the blue harebells, the white columbine, the asters, the scarlet Indian Paintbrush— far too many varieties to track—far more than I have ever seen here in one area—the colorful kaleidoscope of butterflies flitting about—flashes of lavender, gold, orange, and black—the alluring fern grottoes, the birdsong, the gurgling stream—all filled me with a sense of awe, gratitude, and hope.
Getting There: Turn left onto FR 035/E Main St/Pine Valley Rd and right at the sign for Forsyth Trail / Meadows Dr / U1212.
Notes: Dog-friendly, but PLEASE keep your dogs on leashes—it’s fawning season, rattlesnakes are out, not to mention, it’s the law…
Happy Trails!
On the Loose Live 