I got to the park a little late, and was informed the trails close an hour before sunset. As a precaution, I got a free overnight permit just to make sure I didn't get a ticket. It's worth it in case.
Nov 01, 2016 — I visited Frozen Head State Park a few years ago and saw some more fun trails on their map, so I vowed to return. On the way to the Smokies, I figured I would stop and check out the Chimney Top Trail. Especially with the orange leaves, this was a really pretty loop. A fairly consistently moderate grade takes you comfortably up to a ridgeline that has occasional views over the Tennessee countryside. The ridge leads up to the Chimney Top Mountain, whose summit includes a big rock formation that you can't miss. I found a few routes to the top, one a minor Class 2 scramble, and the view is really nice. From here, I continued the loop and finished on the Spicewood Trail, another pretty trail with a lighter grade than the Chimney Top Trail.
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