Road Prong Trail via Chimney Tops Trail to Trickling and Talking Waterfalls - The Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Apr 25

Don't let yesterday use up too much today. - Cherokee Proverb

When you were born, you cried and the world rejoiced. Live your life so that when you die, the world cries and you rejoice. - Cherokee Proverb

Certain things catch your eye, but pursue only those that capture the heart. - Cherokee Proverb

Listen with your ears, not your eyes - Chinese Proverb

The Story -

Leaving Gatlinburg on Wednesday morning, we planned to stop at Clingmans Dome on the way home to close out our spring break trip to Tennessee. I was eager to add another 6000 ft peak to my growing April collection of the highest peaks east of the Mississippi River. However, Clingmans Dome, at 6643 ft, the third highest mountain east of the Mississippi River and only forty feet fewer than the highest, Mt. Mitchell, at 6684 ft., was closed for a private Cherokee Tribal event, not reopening until much later in the afternoon. With a tired teenage son anxious to get home and an already amazing trip behind us, we decided to forgo the wait for Clingmans Dome to reopen, and started home.

Go With The Flow -

On our way home and in keeping with our “go with the flow” theme for the week, naturally Ginger found a short, lesser-known trail not too far from Clingmans Dome that reportedly had some nice rapids and two waterfalls. Not much other information was readily available so we decided to just give it a shot. Alex reluctantly agreed to a short hike, so we stopped roadside at the Road Prong Trail via Chimney Tops Trail with hopes that its waterfalls, Trickling Falls and Talking Falls, would not disappoint. (They most certainly did not.)

Road Prong Trail via Chimney Tops Trail -

We started our hike at the Chimney Tops trailhead just off Newfound Gap Road and were almost immediately immersed in the majesty of God’s Creation. The broad, shaded, and well-maintained Chimney Tops trail guided us downhill into a mossy mixed spruce and fir-tree hardwood forest common in other high elevation hikes in the park. We followed a rocky yet smooth path along Prong Creek crossing several gorgeous bridges over the creek’s crystal clear blue water as if we were in the Caribbean. Just before the one-mile marker, the trail splits, west to continue on the Chimney Tops Trail or south to the Road Prong Trail. We chose to continue south, chasing waterfalls, on the Road Prong Trail.

A Tale of Two Trails -

The two trails could not be more different, Chimney Top is wide, well maintained, and heavily traveled. The Road Prong trail is narrow, rough in spots, and secluded. The strenuous uphill Road Prong Trail quickly becomes a single rocky creek bed path winding up the mountain. Wet rocks were everywhere and the trail required some fancy footwork. Fortunately the sound of the rushing river next to us took our minds off the difficulty of the trail, serenading us over the next two miles with many rapids and cascades visible through the foliage, a teaser of what was to come. We joyfully rock scrambled and hopped across the creek several times which added to the overall adventurous aura of the trail. I was happy.

Trickling and Talking Falls -

Inexplicably, the two waterfalls on the Road Prong Trail, Trickling and Talking Falls, are not well known or on any best waterfall list of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. My only explanation is that neither have high elevation changes nor great depth typically found in the most popular waterfalls. However, the sheer amount of rushing water they do have is incredible. The sound of the water crashing violently into the rocks and basins is almost deafening. We sat next to each waterfall for over twenty minutes just admiring the vast volume of water and its power. Both waterfalls pummel into deep basin pools at their base, ideal for a summer swims, yet not so much in mid-April. Next time maybe!

Wrap It Up -

The Road Prong Trail via Chimney Tops Trail is perhaps my favorite short hike of all time. It has almost everything I enjoy when hiking - lots of rushing rapids, cascades, and water, rock-scrambling, creek crossings, seclusion, heart-pumping elevation changes, and plenty of adventure. You feel like you are on a grand excursion deep in the heart of the forest with only the sound of the thundering river to keep you company.