We opted to start from Larch Mountain and hit the Oneonta Trail. Conditions were very pleasant aside from the haze and smoky aroma from the 36 Pit Fire, and this stretch of Oneonta was where we encountered the only other hikers we'd see during the entire day. Soon we were at the Bell Creek junction; the Oneonta was a four-lane highway compared to this charmingly rustic tread. Along with the amazing old-growth hemlock and cedar for which Bell Creek is best known, we also came across a talus slope echoing with the calls of pikas all around us (not one of the little varmints bothered to show itself, though
). At the start of our hike we were debating whether to do this as an out-and-back, but we chose to make it a loop in order to avoid the yellow jacket nest we encountered on Bell Creek about 1/2 mile or so before the Horsetail Creek Trail junction 
(Side note: Oneonta Creek is amazingly easy to ford this late in the summer.) The loop ended up being just over 13 miles, and we made back to the car with minutes of daylight to spare.The TLC that has been put into Bell Creek is clearly evident: we only encountered three or four logs across the trail and all of these were easy to detour around. There are scores of tiny streams running across the trail but most of these are easy to step over (might be a different story once the rains kick in). The section between the main footbridge and the Horsetail Creek junction is definitely rougher and brushier in spots, but following the tread is seldom difficult.
Kudos to everyone who devoted time and energy to restoring this semi-hidden gem of a trail. Your efforts are much appreciated. Now, onto the photos: