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.

The trail was generally easy to follow, although a few sections became less obvious where farmland overlapped the route. I completed this hike in June 2026.

Trail Snapshot

EASY

DocumentedJune 2026

Distance5.48 km (Point-to-Point)

Elevation Gain98 m

The 5.48 km route features a total elevation gain of 98 m and reaches a maximum elevation of 754 m at kilometer 0.23. The profile consists of two major climbs interspersed with several descents, totaling 591 m of elevation loss.

Duration2-3 hrs

WaterAt least 1 liter

ShadeLimited

Surface90% trail, 10% road

GPXWikiloc

Access

I started near the Sudlon 1 Barangay Hall, 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. There was no public transportation available, although habal-habal services operated in the vicinity.

Route Description

I began the hike by following the mountain ridge toward Bagakay. The trail passed through narrow footpaths, farms, small mountain communities, and more open sections with views across the surrounding countryside. Most of the route descended steadily, making for an easy walk overall, although the continuous downhill sections became harder on my knees as the hike progressed.

The path remained well-trodden for much of the hike because locals and livestock regularly used it. Even so, I came across several side trails, and a few sections became confusing where farmland overlapped the route. In those areas, I had to look for where the trail continued before carrying on toward the finish. The hike ended at a bridge crossing the river that flows into Malubog Lake.

Trail Conditions

The weather was sunny during my hike. I walked through shaded sections early on before the trail became more exposed near the end. The ground was dry throughout my visit, although it could become muddy during rainy weather. Mobile signal started out strong but disappeared farther along the route. I did not find any stores along the trail, encountered no other hikers, and noticed only minimal insects.

Additional Notes

The steady downhill descent made a trekking pole useful, especially on the uneven and occasionally rocky sections. Hiking the route in reverse would turn the descent into a sustained climb lasting several kilometers. Although the trail was easy to follow most of the time, the network of side trails and farmland crossings occasionally required extra attention to stay on the intended route.