You cross the bridge at the trailhead and then the climbing starts. The first 1.6 miles is perhaps the toughest. at 2.3 miles the trail levels off for a nice 3/4 mile rest and then climbs pretty go... More on trails.mtbr.com
I prefer to go up a lot less than I go down, but you're free to choose whichever one you like best . More on trails.mtbr.com

