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| The Appalachian Trail had 8" to 12" making it a bad idea to hike for the less experienced. |
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| Wicked cold winds also presented a challenge. |
So I recalled my Chicago buddy Tom told me about hiking to the Chimney Tops during the summer. He hiked up there with a barefoot hiker. I am too much of a tenderfoot to even consider that, but natural is the way some people are going. Amazed by their beauty during my first drive up to Newfound Gap, I decided the Chimney Tops would be one of my challenges to replace my Clingman's Dome goal, which will be put off a couple of months.
Here are the Chimney Tops:
As you can see they are steep, and remember a March snowstorm blew in and created ice and snow all the way up the trail adding to the challenge. As you get to the upper parts of the trail, near the summit, there are narrow passages, so the ice really adds to the challenge. The elevation of Chimney Tops is 4,800 feet. In comparison, the highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is Clingman's Dome at 6,643 feet.
The Chimney Top Trail can be accessed from US441, about half way up to New Found Gap. When you go through the tunnel on your way up, start looking on your right for the parking lot.
Like I said, it wasn't just the steep grades that turned this hike into a challenge. It was the ice and snow on top, a test for your calves and ankles--no doubt! It's well worth the climb for an amazing 360 degree view providing you finish climbing the rock at the top, which comes with great warnings. Since the weather didn't cooperate, nobody I spoke to dared climb up the last 20 feet in elevation on that day. The park service cautions you before climbing it, noting the ultimate price may be your death. Here's a view of the final climb to the summit.
I think you can see why most people were walking to the narrow ledge in front of the final climb without actually going up.
It took me a little less than an hour and a half to reach the final climb. When you get up there, you definitely feel a since of accomplishment and a little vertigo. The last little stretch is along a thin trail, which the park ranger service has added cable to so you can hang on, which was useful with the ice. Once you are up there, the park service warns you once again, as you can see the sign, to be careful if you decide to summit.
If there is snow, you might want to pack a poncho for your hike. When the snow starts melting, like it did when I was climbing and descending, it looks and feels like rain falling, so you are going to get wet. My Columbia coat did a nice job of repelling the water, but it could only do so much. I also recommend a trekking pole to help you up the steeper grades and to help ensure your footing.
Here's a picture of the summit from the trail head. There is just less than 2000 feet of vertical climb to get to the top.
Remember, if you hike this trail, you need to be cautious as there are places on this trail that your best judgement needs to be present.
