One of my favorite hikes in the Smokies is Chimney Tops. Once out to the rocky out-cropping, I've always taken the path off to the right rather than trying to climb strait up the rocks. But with each passing year, I could see how the path and vegitation was eroding away. The last time I was up there, there were several spots where you were basically rock climbing for a distance of about 10'.
Now I haven't been to Chimney Tops in about 10 year, and I'm wanting to take my 9yo son. But from what I recall of the conditions up there, I feel like I need to toss climbing harnesses and a 20' piece of rope into my backpack so that I can safely help my son scramble up that rough final climb.
Has anyone been to Chimney Tops lately (say in the last 2 years) that can give me any update on the conditions at the top?