There are two ways to tackle this loop—one beginning at the top of Kitsuma, and the other at the bottom. Beginning at the bottom, you'll have a 4+ mile climb up the Point Lookout Trail, followed by another mile or so to the Kitsuma Trailhead.

A few landslides have damaged the paved path over the years, but everything can still be traversed on foot. As you near the top, you'll pass by an overlook with a bench just before crossing over an active railroad tunnel.

At the end of the greenway, continue straight onto the road until taking the left onto Royal Gorge Road. At the end of this dead-end road, you'll be at the Kitsuma Trailhead. This is the other parking area that you could begin at.

The first bit of the trail is tight as you ascend a series of switchbacks up to Kitsuma Peak. Just below the summit, a popular overlook serves a great place to take a quick break before beginning the descent. After a short descent from the overlook, you'll have one final push up to another high point before continuing along the ridge. A few vantage points to the north will give you views of the distant Mount Mitchell, the highest mountain east of the Mississippi River.

As you get further down the ridge, the trail begins to steepen as you approach the Old Fort Picnic Area, the end of the loop. Watch your footing and be mindful of other trail users, particularly mountain bikers, who also frequent this trail.