You asked about the trail with good views near the old mill so here are some details. The aspens have started turning and the color is really lovely right now. You will face a moderate climb for about the first mile then the trail levels out along the ridge. Basic hiking gear and enough water should serve you well for this route. The round trip takes roughly four hours if you stop for photos along the way. Parking fills early on weekends so arriving before eight would help you secure a spot. The path is well marked at each junction so navigation is straightforward. There is one stream crossing near the midpoint that requires careful footing but nothing technical. You should find the difficulty manageable and the views from the top are expansive. Let me know if you want more specifics about gear or timing for your visit.

I would also suggest bringing a light jacket because the ridge can get breezy even on warm days. The trail surface is mostly packed dirt with some rocky sections near the summit. You should not need trekking poles unless you prefer them for balance. There is a nice spot about halfway where you can sit and have a snack with a view of the valley. The whole experience is quite rewarding without being overly strenuous.
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You asked about the refinishing approach for the old dresser I found and I can share what has worked. The previous paint layers came off easily after switching to medium grit paper. For the detailed trim areas around the drawers you would need to hand sand rather than use a tool for best results. The flat surfaces went quickly with the orbital sander. I decided on a matte polyurethane finish because the wood grain is really nice underneath and I wanted to highlight that. The original hardware cleaned up nicely with vinegar and baking soda which saved me from buying new pulls. I thought about replacing them but the vintage look works well with the style of the piece. The project needs another weekend for the staining and sealing steps. I learned that multiple thin coats produce a smoother final result compared to fewer thick applications. The dresser should fit well in the guest room where it will add some character to the space.

You also asked about the color choice and I am leaning toward a warm walnut tone that will complement the other furniture in the room. The test spot I did on the back panel looks promising. I will send you a photo once I have a section finished so you can see how it turns out. The whole process has been fairly straightforward and the results so far are encouraging.