I think the raised bed approach works really well for your backyard layout. The soil there has a lot of clay, so building up with good compost and topsoil gives roots the drainage they need. For the partial-shade areas near the fence, leafy greens like kale, chard, and spinach should do quite well since they don't require full sun. I would put tomatoes and peppers in the sunniest spots you can find — they really need at least six hours of direct light. If you track the sunlight over a few days, you will get a clear picture of where everything should go. Adding some perennial herbs like oregano and thyme along the edges is also a smart move because they come back year after year with very little upkeep. Let me know if you want me to help you sketch a rough layout before you start building.

The trail we took last weekend was really enjoyable. It is about six miles round trip with a moderate incline — nothing too steep. The path follows a creek for the first half and then opens into a meadow with views of the ridge beyond. We started around 7am and had the trail mostly to ourselves. The surface is well-maintained gravel and packed dirt, so good hiking shoes are enough. There are a few spots with exposed tree roots that need some attention. I would recommend bringing plenty of water and a light jacket because the temperature dropped noticeably once we reached the shaded sections. A friend mentioned the fall colors should be excellent in a few weeks, so it might be worth planning another trip then.