The hike featured rolling terrain with frequent short climbs and descents instead of one sustained ascent, creating a steady workout. Although much of the route passed near communities, a few quieter sections required extra attention where the trail became faint. I completed this hike in July 2026.

Trail Snapshot

MILD

DocumentedJuly 2026

Distance11 km (Loop)

Elevation Gain489 m

This 11.25 km loop hike features an overall elevation gain of approximately 489 m, spanning altitudes from 63 m to 508 m, with smoothed maximum grades reaching roughly +28% uphill and -30% downhill, and its toughest climb occurring on the steep approach to the Mt. Naupa peak between kilometer 3.0 and 3.6.

Duration3.5 - 4 hrs

WaterAt least 2 liters

ShadeLimited

Surface30% trail, 70% road

GPXWikiloc

Access

I started near Cogon Chapel, where motorcycle parking was available without a parking fee. The jump-off was accessible by concrete road, and private vehicles could reach the area. Public transportation was limited, although habal-habal services were available.

Route Description

I began by following community roads and trails toward Mt. Naupa, where the route alternated between open countryside and well-used footpaths. Most of the trail was easy to follow, and I regularly crossed paths with local residents and livestock while moving through the area. Near the Mt. Naupa summit, I also encountered a few other hikers.

After leaving the Mt. Naupa area, I reached sections where cultivated farmland had replaced parts of the original trail, making it take a little longer to locate the next segment. The descent toward Balirong also included a faint section of trail that appeared to receive less foot traffic. Near the Balirong exit, I crossed a small stream before continuing toward Cogon. The final part of the hike followed Cogon Road, where a steady uphill climb led back to Cogon Chapel and completed the loop.

Trail Conditions

The weather remained cloudy throughout my hike. Much of the route was exposed with limited shade, while the trail stayed dry during my visit. Stores were available whenever I passed through communities, and mobile signal remained strong for most of the hike with only a few dead spots.

I mostly encountered local residents, along with a few hikers near Mt. Naupa, and insect activity was noticeably high. Approximately 30% of the route followed trails, while the remaining 70% used roads.

Additional Notes

The rolling terrain provided a steady rhythm of climbs and descents without any prolonged ascent or descent. During my visit, several narrow road improvement projects appeared unfinished, although I did not see any active construction work.

It was also mango season, and many plantations had fallen fruit scattered beneath the trees. Some roadside sections passed pig-raising areas where livestock odors were noticeable. I also saw cows along the route, although none blocked the trail. Throughout the hike, I had several friendly conversations with local residents, who were welcoming and helpful.

The hike began with a long downhill walk before transitioning into rolling terrain and a steady uphill climb back to the jump-off. Navigation remained straightforward throughout, and I completed this hike in April 2026.

Trail Snapshot

EASY

DocumentedApril 2026

Distance6 km (Loop)

Elevation Gain246 m

Duration3 - 3.5 hrs

WaterAt least 2 liters

ShadeLimited

GPXWikiloc

Access

I started in Campinsa, where motorcycle parking was available along the roadside without a parking fee. The jump-off was accessible by concrete road, and private vehicles could reach the area. Public transportation was very limited, although habal-habal services were available.

Route Description

I began by descending a long flight of cemented stairs before joining Manipis Road. From there, the route continued across open hillside trails and rolling terrain leading toward Windy Hills Campsite. Navigation stayed simple throughout, and several sections opened up to views of the surrounding mountains.

After completing the downhill and rolling portions of the loop, I started the steady climb back to Campinsa. Although none of the climbs were technical, the continuous uphill section marked the most demanding part of the return.

Trail Conditions

The weather remained sunny throughout my hike. Most of the route was exposed with very little shade, while the trail stayed dry during my visit. Walking conditions could become muddy after rain. I did not find any stores along the route, and mobile signal remained strong near the jump-off before disappearing farther into the hike. I encountered no other hikers and noticed very few insects.

Additional Notes

Part of the route passed through an active road construction area during my visit in April 2026.

Although navigation remained simple throughout, the continuous ascents and longer distance made the hike more physically demanding than the terrain itself. I completed this hike in June 2026.

Trail Snapshot

MILD

DocumentedJune 2026

Distance8.34 km (Loop)

Elevation Gain335 m

Duration2-3 hrs

WaterAt least 1 liter

ShadeLimited

Surface25% trail, 75% road

GPXWikiloc

Access

I started near Camp 7 National High School, where motorcycle parking was available along the roadside without a parking fee. The jump-off was accessible by a mix of concrete and dirt roads, and private vehicles could reach the area. Public transportation was limited, although habal-habal services were available. The parking area was about 2 km before the junction leading to Canapnapan 2.

Route Description

I began by following community roads and trails toward Canapnapan 2 before continuing through Canapnapan 3, Cabanbanan, and Upper Camp 8. The route passed rolling farmland, open countryside, and several residential areas where I frequently met local residents. Navigation stayed straightforward from start to finish, with the steady climbs providing the main physical challenge rather than any technical terrain.

As I continued around the loop, several sections opened up to wide views of the surrounding mountains before the trail gradually returned to the starting point. I also passed many dogs along the route, especially near homes, and kept a comfortable distance while walking through the communities.

Trail Conditions

The weather remained sunny throughout my hike. Much of the route was exposed with limited shade, although I found several stores whenever I passed through local communities. The trail stayed dry during my visit but could become very muddy after rainfall. Mobile signal was strong near the start before becoming intermittent in some areas. I encountered many people throughout the hike and noticed only a few insects.

Additional Notes

This route passed through established communities rather than remote mountain terrain, and the locals I met, especially the children, were friendly and helpful. Hiking the loop in the opposite direction would turn the section from the road junction toward Cabanbanan into a long, continuous climb.

A hiking stick or trekking pole can also be useful for anyone who is uncomfortable walking past the many dogs found along the route.