With a day off work due to bailing on a backpacking trip, I decided on a whim this week to go after my own record on the Darlington Trail. Might make this a yearly thing :)
For logistical questions, see my 2024 attempt. I had to park in a slightly different spot on Tower Rd. as there are now No Parking signs on both sides of the road at the end of the paved portion. I was able to park .3 miles up the gravel road on a small pull off. Everything else is the same - dropoff at Millers Gap, hike into the Western Terminus.
I knew that despite the elevation being easier from West to East, the (lack of) maintenance and technicality of the trail actually gets more difficult. So, I strategized to go out as hard as I could and hang on. I felt like I was bonking around halfway through coming down to Lamb's Gap Rd. and let off the gas a little at this point, which was fine because the trail is pretty rocky. The last mile-ish after the creek crossing was a slog through briars and mile a minute - I knew this would happen due to the time of year.
Managed to take 15 minutes off my previous time last year, so I'll call it a win! Fueled with 2 SIS Beta Fuel gels, 1/2 a pack of Honey Stinger chews, and probably 500 mL of water/tailwind.