We also chose this trail because of the payoff at the end - the Chimneys. Though I didn't climb all the way to the top to admire the view, I still had an incredible view from my perch halfway up the rock formation. Fr. Christian climbed all the way to the top, and I think he'll write about his experience and the view. I'm not a weenie by any means, but I do know my limits. What with my inability to walk in a straight line, my uncanny ability to trip over nothing on a flat surface, and my cumbersome boots, it wasn't advisable to clamber up the Chimneys. I wasn't the only one from our group to not climb all the way to the top: Curt, Kay, and Ken stayed at the bottom.
Chimney Tops trail is a short hike, only 2 miles up. However, I'd caution that statement with the fact that you climb 1700 feet in those 2 miles, and to state the obvious, you have to come back down those 2 miles! Depending on your preference and your physical limitations (for me, that would be my hip and for Fr. Christian, his knees), the steepness could be a challenge. Fortunately for me, my hip issue didn't rear it's painful head, so I was able to fully enjoy the climb up and down. My only regret is that I forgot to bring my hiking stick. If you haven't done this trail yet, I'd advise bringing yours because it will be immeasurably helpful.
Because the view is incredible (and that it's short), Chimneys is a very popular trail. Very popular. Our merry band of 5 ended up spreading out across the trail into 2 groups, and each group leapfrogged with other people/families/groups on the trail. There were very few moments when it was just us on the trail.
I also learned on this hike that I much rather prefer trails that are less popular and less crowded. Until Chimneys, I hadn't made the conscious decision of what I like and don't like. This is probably why I've been so loath to hike other incredibly well-known and well-visited trails in the park.
What comes with an increased human presence? Garbage. And lots of it! I couldn't believe it. At the end of the hike, I had picked up 2 handfuls worth of trash that other people left behind willy nilly. I actually watched someone hurl an apple core off the Chimneys. At one point I ended up sitting next to the apple thrower, and I looked off to the side of the rock formation and saw orange peels in the dirt. Letting my annoyance be heard by all around me, I picked up the orange peels and so began my trash collection. I found plastic bottle caps, plastic wrappers, and with less than half a mile to the trail head on the way down, I found another pile of orange peels. Except this pile was much worse and scattered all over the place.
Sometimes our posts have little rants in them, and I guess this is one of my rant posts. It's one thing to leave behind something that's biodegradable, but if you're gonna do that, at least throw it somewhere so that the rest of us can't see it. Actually, don't even do that. Bring a plastic bag (or something) and put your trash in it. Packs are convenient, temporary storage places for all sorts of things...water, lunch, a first-aid kit, and even trash. Would you throw trash in your front yard or in your neighbor's yard? No. So why would you do it on the trail? Makes no sense to me.
I also watched a kid whack the heck out of some branches and low-lying plants around a section of the trail that looks like it could be a shortcut, but it's not! It was clearly marked with a sign that says something along the lines of, "this is not a trail. Don't walk here. If you do, you damage..." This is a beautiful national park, and I just wish people would show it more respect. Don't mess with my mountains!
My annoyances with humanity aside, this trail is awesome. It's short with a pretty sweet view, and if you're like me, you might end up being a little saucy at the end of it.
