At just over five miles in length, this stage is shorter and easier than the previous days but offers a couple of opportunities for add-on hikes. The base stage via the A-Z trail to the Avalon trail is about 3 hours of 1,325 feet (404 meters) over sometimes steep and rocky terrain, particularly near the first possible detour, the climb to Mount Tom. Both Tom and the second optional climb of the day, Mount Fields, are over 4,000 feet, but Fields has better views of the two. Access Mount Fields by the Wiley path. After leaving the Avalon trail, hiking will finally become easier. The supremely comfortable Highland Center Lodge is today’s reward.