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Although they have similarities, I would suggest the east route. SST has some amazing views; it is a rocky ridgetop trail. Plus there are the 1000 Steps and Rocky Ridge Natural Area. There are also Cowans Gap, Greenwood Furnace State Parks, and Alan Seeger Natural Area (old growth hemlock forest with rhododendron jungles).
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One thing I noticed since this thread came back, the grocery store in Mapleton is no more. Full grocery in Mount Union 2 miles from the bottom of the Thousand Steps though.
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Someday & Hillbilly Bart's list of considerations after hiking both: http://www.gethiking.net/2014/07/eas...est-route.html
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Yeah, I was really unhelpful when I put that list together. Both routes are great. Both routes are tough.