Catfish Loop via Appalachian Trail

This is a nice walk in the woods, but no spectacular viewpoints to be had. There are a couple of moderately steep inclines along the way (and a very short rock scramble), which will make sure you get your exercise. Park at the area on Dennytown Road where the Appalachian Trail [AT] (white) crosses the road. Cross the road to where you will see the trailhead sign for the Catfish Loop Trail (red). In a few yards, bear left and then straight to stay on the AT, which descends, only to begin a moderately steep ascent (with a few switchbacks) to a ridge which the AT then follows for a while. At 1.2 miles, turn right onto the Catfish Loop Tr (red), which begins a descent, passing an intersection with the Moneyhole Mountain Tr (yellow) at 1.5 miles. You start climbing a bit, and reach an occluded view to the north and west at 1.8 miles, at the point where you do a bit of rock scrambling. The trail once more descends, reaching an occluded view of Catfish Pond (on your left) at 2.2 miles (at the point where the trail turns north). At 2.7 miles, you start climbing again, and you will see some impressive old stone fences. At 3.3 miles, there is an occluded view of Duck Pond on your left. Around 3.8 miles, you climb to another ridgeline, and cross another intersection with the Moneyhole Mountain Tr at 4.3 miles. After descending from this plateau, you close your loop at 4.6 miles, turning left to return to the parking area.