There are a ton of things to do on vacation here in the Smoky Mountains of Western North Carolina. Hiking in Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the outdoor activities that is available to most vacationers. Some of the trails are short and even, others are long and steep. (Yep, some are short and steep too!) Make sure you get a good guidebook before you head out on the trail. Our local book store Gil's on Everett Street in Bryson City carries several good ones. You can pick one up at the Oconaluftee visitor center on the way into the park as well. Last weekend, my partner and I headed to Chimney Rocks trail. This is a short, popular trail easily accessed right from Hwy 441. Go past Newfound Gap, and it is on the left halfway down the descent into Tennessee. Chimney Rocks trail starts at the Chimney picnic area where the West Prong of the Pigeon tumbles through a creek bed of very large boulders. It's awesome for plunging into the cold water after your hike!
The hike up itself starts out wide and easy. it quickly turns to about straiight up. If you continue you'll be rewarded wtih an incredible view into Tennessee. At the top be really careful as you have to climb up the odd boulder formations to see the very top. The climb down went pretty quickly. We jumped into the creek after our hike, so refreshing! You can make an easy afternoon outing in the park from your Bryson City NC cabin rentals with this hike. Bring a picnic and stay longer!
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