A paved trail leads from a large parking area on the Foothills Parkway (West) to a concrete observation tower on Look Rock, the highest point (2641') on the western segment of Chilhowee Mountain. The trail climbs about 180 feet in ½ mile for a grade of over 6%. The round trip distance depends on where you park in the large parking area, but it is just over one mile. I made the trek in October 2015.
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| After leaving the upper end of the parking area, the trail crosses the parkway |
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| While paved, the trail is too steep to be considered wheelchair accessible |
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| Looking back down the trail |
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| Leaves already cover the ground |
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| Approaching the tower |
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| View from the ramp |
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| Another view from the ramp |
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| The crest of Chilhowee Mountain |
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| Clouds obscure the view of Maryville |
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| Great Smoky Mountains |
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| Some trees are still brilliant, while others have already dropped their leaves |
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| More of the Great Smoky Mountains |
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| The Look Rock air quality station is adjacent to the trail |
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| Another brightly colored tree on the way down |
The park website is http://www.nps.gov/grsm/index.htm.
Wow! Must go there for fall colors one year.
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