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The trail was great. Very steep. Well-maintained. But the top is still closed and I wish I knew that.
reviewed Definitely steep like previous reviewers say. If you take your time, it’s very doable. Unfortunate that the last quarter mile to the actual chimney tops is still closed but the new overlook is nice. Trail was slightly muddy, otherwise in good condition.
As a novice hiker, understanding elevations and difficulty levels is kinda tricky, but I definitely enjoyed this. It was a bit muddy but didn’t need my yaktrax or anything. More strenuous than I would have thought, but definitely worth it.
Great shorter hike that still packs a little punch! The stairs and elevation are no joke, but easily done in 2.5 hours. The top had a great platform with an amazing view!
Mostly on forest roads, very easy, little elevation change. Great for kids even with bikes. Crowded but not terrible, the parking lot was full. Beautiful river and rocks to climb. Good fir very inexperienced hikers.
Excellent hike - very muddy and ice, so may be difficult for some without spikes. We were able to do the hike without spikes in 2.25 hours starting around 11, but definitely recommend spikes if you have them.
Icy on way up and muddy on the way down. Great hike, incline going up really gets the blood pumping. We were sad to see remainder of trail closed but that just gives us a reason to come back!
Beautiful hike
Trail was fantastic, more difficult than expected, but did not need spikes. Mix of icy, muddy, and wet conditions. Hardest parts are in the last 0.5 mile, as you gain elevation quickly.
There was a amazing experience. Winter time black ice every where and ice cold day. I thought it would be short, but the distance is wrong., it’s much more long... when we got to the top we stop and appreciate the nature and my son and I was talking about how big and awesome God is . I love the mountains because I see God’s wonders all over me and I love the peace and quiet up there. It’s amazing to me being here today and almost a year a go I was battling ovarian cancer. Every section of chemotherapy we drove to the smokies with my son and daughter to celebrate, the nature has healing power. God is very quiet and calm if you want have a personal experience with him take a hike and cry out to him just you and God. No fancy clothes no makeup just be your self. Take a moment for pray and admire his work. All the earth is full of his glory. Push your self of your comfort zone and never give up .
Beautiful day for a hike! Wouldn’t say that you’d need spikes for this trail today; however, there were some slick spots. There is a gate right before you get to the Chimney Tops stating that the trail is closed due to instability from the 2016 fires. That being said, there were plenty of people who went around the gate and the Chimney Top was scattered with humans.
Great afternoon hike, still muddy and a few ice spots on the stairs. This trail had a lot of hikers on it.
This is one of the best hikes I’ve ever done - mostly for the view past the gate, which is unfortunately closed now. However you get some nice views of mountains before the gate. The hike doesn’t feel too long, which helps anyone who might want to take it slower on the stairs toward the end. Overall beautiful views of foggy mountains! Even better on a misty day. Went today 2/14 and there was minimal ice and snow. Did not need spikes but ground was muddy!
Definitely not for your beginners, it’s a little challenging when the rocks are wet and your trying to reach the summit.
The hike was beautiful, lots of stairs and elevation gains. Hiked this in Summer of 2019- Im just terrible at posting reviews. The last bit was gated off due to fires, saw several people just climbing around the gate but we didn’t. Wish they would open it up!! Views were amazing.
