Exploring the Naegunggi Trail on Doraksan Mountain in Chungbuk
The Naegunggi Trail on Doraksan Mountain in Chungbuk is a great summer hiking destination.
"I underestimated the short trail and found myself gripping the metal railing several times."
To avoid the midday heat during summer hiking, I left home much earlier than usual.
This time, I visited Doraksan Mountain, located in Woraksan National Park in Danyang, Chungbuk.
Typically, hikers start from the Sangseonam Visitor Center, but I opted for the shorter Naegunggi course from Naegunggi Village.
Hiking Information for Doraksan Mountain:
● Round trip: 3.4 km
● Hiking time: 2 hours 20 minutes
● Parking: Naegunggi Village roadside parking (Navi address: 192 Beolcheon-ri, Danseong-myeon, Danyang-gun, Chungbuk)
● Difficulty: ★★★ (Moderate)
There is a small parking area at the entrance of Naegunggi Village that can accommodate 4-5 vehicles. Make sure to park on the palm mats laid out on the ground. Restrooms are available before you start the ascent.
The trail is marked as difficult, with an average incline of 30.4%, and it is estimated to take about 2 hours one way.
For a safe hike, warm up before starting and check your hiking checklist for final preparations.
After a short drive up from the parking lot, you will reach the trailhead. The hiking hours are displayed here:
From April to October, entry is allowed from 4 AM to 2 PM.
Since there are entry restrictions, check the time before planning your hike.
The distance from Naegunggi to the summit of Doraksan is approximately 1.7 km.
While it seems short, the incline can be quite steep, so I planned for a leisurely 1 hour and 30 minutes for the ascent.
Of course, hiking times can vary based on individual fitness and pace.
The initial part of the trail is relatively easy, but soon you encounter rocky paths and stone steps.
The atmosphere of the trail changes as you alternate between rocky sections and metal-railed stairs.
The trail is well-maintained, but some slippery areas make it advisable to wear good hiking shoes.
Hiking alone made me a bit nervous, but the challenging sections were balanced with easier stretches.
As you ascend, the views of Danyang's mountains gradually open up behind you.
Taking a moment to catch my breath, I turned around to see new scenery, which naturally encouraged me to keep moving.
This is the beauty of hiking; the scenery makes it worthwhile.
However, it's not an easy trail. There are sections where you need to use both hands and feet, and rocky areas with metal railings.
The trail's difficulty levels fluctuate, providing a fun hiking experience despite its short distance.
Since I was hiking alone, I took my time, alternating between walking and resting, which allowed me to appreciate the surrounding views.
As I reached near the summit, the grandeur of Woraksan National Park came into view.
The harmony of rugged rocks and green pines created a picturesque landscape.
At the Naegunggi intersection, make sure to check the signboard.
I glanced at it too casually and ended up going in the wrong direction. After backtracking to verify my route, I headed towards the summit.
Before reaching the peak, there is a bridge to cross.
Once across, you will find a wide rocky area. Sitting here for a moment, a cool breeze helped me relax and cool down.
It felt like a gift from the mountain as I gazed at the lush forest.
Finally, I arrived at the summit of Doraksan.
The summit area is densely wooded, offering limited views, but the sturdy summit stone welcomed me.
There is also a bench nearby, where I took a moment to sit and hydrate before starting my descent.
In summer, it's best to start your hike early.
While the shade of the forest kept me comfortable on the way up, the sun made the descent significantly hotter.
Even on a short trail, the rocky sections and incline can be exhausting, so it's wise to carry plenty of water and snacks.
On the way back, you can explore the Sangseonam, Jungseonam, and Haseonam valleys.
I stopped by Jungseonam and Haseonam to take a break.
Until August 31, swimming in the valley is allowed, so check the accessible areas.
Although the trail seemed short, the mix of rocky areas and steps made it more enjoyable than expected.
Overall, I felt that summer hiking requires careful planning for time and hydration.
If you're considering the Naegunggi course on Doraksan for your summer hiking, start early and take your time.
If possible, I recommend visiting the Jungseonam and Haseonam valleys after your hike.
I concluded my Chungbuk trip on a pleasant note, enjoying the soothing sounds of the valley water.
Source :https://blog.naver.com/cbkb21/224390946569
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