The trail is very steep with some deep ruts, rocks and hairy down-to-the-gorge views from the trail. Vehicles which are not in 100% good shape will overheat on the way back due to the long steep climb. But there is nothing that cannot be handled by a stock sound SUV with a good driver. This is not a hardcore trail. Ray, if you do want to "stretch the legs", you really need something else.

The main point of the Hite Cove trail is that this is a great place for a large company to have a great time together with plenty of recreation opportunity. Although the trail is easy, the descend to the place, and the ascend back are exhausting. So, there are usually no people, and the place is pristine. I've been there several times and I'll be happy to visit this place again.