Chimney Tops - Can you imagine smoke wafting from the chimney-like formation on this ridge? Nearly vertical holes in the tops of these jutting rocks make them look like natural chimney flues, and mountain people named - Chimney Tops. A 2 mile hike takes us to the top!
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| Chimney Tops view from vista along park road |
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| A steep, rocky & rugged trail leads to the top. |
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| This is the rugged part! Hiking through the tree. |
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| Trail did follow a stream so there was some beautiful cascading water scenes |
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| Only another 1.1 miles to go! This is where it gets interesting. |
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| Rocky and steep trail. Cheryl earned her hiking patch!!! |
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| This is what kept Cheryl hiking - wild flowers! |
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| Other scenery that made the hike rewarding. |
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| The last leg of the hike climbing the face |
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| Cheryl made it up about 2/3 of the way, she was brave! |
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| Larry standing at the bottom. Yes, Larry did not attempt to climb the rock cliff one handed! |
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| Panoramic view of valley below the top. |
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| Another view from the top |
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| Rhododendron blooming at the top. |
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| Wildlife along the trail. This snail was having lunch/dinner |
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| View from road looking up trail! |
Kephart Prong trail - leisurely trail that follows an old railroad logging route. There was a major CCA camp along this trail but only a chimney remains from a house.
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| Nice view of stream running below trail |
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| We stopped here for lunch. Typical log bridge to accommodate foot traffic. |
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| Cheryl's flowe |
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| Trail blocker!!!!! |
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Nice young Elk posed for us. This young man did not get excited until we got within 40 yards.
Laurel Falls - another day hike! These falls are very popular since they are located along the main park drive and trail is easy/moderate, part of it is paved! A lot of sandal hikers! |
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| Park vista view of Gatlinburg. Town borders the Smokies. |
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| Fringed-Phacelia |
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| Laurel Falls - 80' total vertical. |
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| Cheryl with Mountain Laurel blooming |
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