Hiking

1700-ft elevation increase in 2 miles at 84 percent humidity and 83 degrees made this trek feel like work. The scenery along this trail is amongst the most beautiful we have witnessed in the Smoky Mountains yet. Lush vegetation and flowing water all around create a mystical ambiance as you hike up this trail jutted with rock and root. You cannot hike on two legs to the summit of the Chimney Tops themselves (or I should say I wouldn't recommend trying). It is a climb to the top that is steep with a very long hard fall for those too reckless or don't respect the mountain. But stay focused and be conscientious of what you are doing and it is a manageable climb up (I suggest keeping your gear light for this final stretch).

No worries if heights is not your thing; the view from the base of the Chimney Tops is beautiful as well, providing near panoramic view of the interior of the park. The only view blocked is by the Chimney Tops themselves and to gain the full 360 you must go up – which I did not do. I climbed about three-quarters of the way up and the rains set in. I stopped to consider the risks and as I felt the rock getting wet and slick and watched the Search and Rescue helicopter make its second pass with a stretcher tethered to it I called a rain-delay and am postponing the summit to another day.

We hiked on up the trail which leads to the top of the mountain. The terrain remains the same but the views from higher and higher up are clearer as you proceed above the trees you were earlier buried under. We didn't reach summit mostly because there was a football game I wanted to watch. We turned around and made our two and a half hour descent back down the mountain. All told, it was about a 7 mile journey and worth every inch.

And a highlight for my wife, we saw a black bear cub as we were driving out of the park - the second bear of the trip which is ironic because we spent early, early mornings and many hours scouting bears in Shenandoah National Park and came up empty.

On this hike I trail tested the Vibram Five Fingers - Read the Gear Review Here