Chimney Tops - Road Prong

Date: 5/18/16
Distance: 8.8

Today I opted to take the morning off and head to the mountains to get a few trail miles.  I left the house about 6:30 and was at the Chimney Tops Parking area by 7:50 and was ready to go.  The 1st 0.9 miles passed quickly on the Chimney Tops Trail.

At the 0.9 mile point, I turned left on the Road Prong Trail and headed up the mountain.  Road Prong connects the Chimney Tops Trail to the Clingmans Dome Road.  It is 2.4 miles long and climbs about 1500'.  The trail follows a creek for much of its length.  It is very rocky in places and is a substantial climb.

 At one point, the trail is right in the creek.  It is a little confusing because you can't see where the trail comes out of the creek from the spot you enter the creek.  You just have to start walking in the creek and eventually the spot where the trail leaves the creek is obvious.

 Up at the Clingmans Dome Road, I turned around and backtracked to the Chimney Tops Trail.  At the Chimney Tops Trail, I turned left and headed out to the Chimneys.  There are lots of steps and a big climb from that point.

 The views were spectacular today.

 The climb up the rock was a little slow because there was a large group out in front, but I eventually got to the top, took a few pictures and headed back toward the car.

I arrived at the car about 11:15 and was back home by 12:40.  Perfect use of a half day of vacation.