Larch/Defiance Comparison?

[AndyCE]

Looking for a challenge today, a buddy and I decided to take the Larch Mountain Trail to Sherrard Point for the first time. One of our goals is to summit Mt. Defiance via the Starvation Ridge Trail since it is touted as the ultimate day hike in the gorge. Today's hike up Larch was challenging but by no means too much to handle. How do the two trails compare in terms of difficulty? Thanks.

[joerunner]

I have gone up on the defiance trail and down on the starvation trail (never up). The defiance trail is several degrees more difficult then Larch due to the steepness and extra elevation. Both mountains are a good workout. If you can hike Larch you can probably hike Defiance as long as you pace yourself properly.