You don't see too many people these days that know the Chimney trail is a totally separate trail from the Loop trail. And yes the trail is closed after the real Chimney cave that had rebar rungs in it collapsed in the mid 2000s. The trail is considered unsafe due to the collapse, loose falling rocks and the fact that it is no longer patrolled. People get confused and call "Fat Man's Misery" at the top of the Loop Trail the chimney, but its not. I usually go up via the Loop Trail and come down via the Brook Trail. I have climbed this mountain about a half a dozen times. Always a good climb. Bring lots of water. Don't do it on a day that is over 85 degrees without there at least being a stiff breeze.
Took this Chimney Trail up tumbledown on Sunday as my first time really hiking (technically second as I did bald mountain on Friday but it really doesn’t compare). Definitely a scary experience as I’ve never experienced such heights and uncertainty, especially considering this trail has been closed for like 20 years. That steep loose rock stretch before the cave at the top really had me fearing for life lol. Unlike most of the others in my group, I opted for the “death hole” with the sketchy ladder and it really is nerve wracking. Not sure I’m a fan of hiking after my whole tumbledown experience but I’m proud that I made it up and out successfully. Took a dip in crater lake and swam to the island in the middle which was a treat. **Bring proper footwear. I wore running shoes and had a lot of difficulty.
This is definitely a tough trail. The Brook Trail is the safest and easiest way up the mountain. I always recommend trail runners from brands that design shoes for hiking. I'm glad you completed though! Not many can say that.
@@mainelyhikes i initially wanted to take brook considering I’ve never hiked in the past but the group I was with insisted this one was far more interesting. They were certainly correct (we descended brook), but the chimney was definitely not beginner friendly hahaha. Thanks for the footwear suggestion!
Awesome video! Just stumbled on your channel - I did Tumbledown last year (I'm from NH)! I make camping/hiking videos myself! Thanks for sharing, and excited to check your videos out!
