Standing on the Chimney, looking back toward the mountain and rim of the Hickory Nut Gorge, this is what you'll see. People coming down from the Opera Box overlook (previous picture) can be seen on the right. This unique high-rise staircase is actually part of the Skyline Trail. The Skyline Trail travels along the top of the cliffs to Exclamation Point, and there was literally no other way to get the trail up there without building this structure. It, along with several other staircases along the way, will get your blood pumping even though the trail is not all that long. (The Skyline trail is closed beyond Exclamation Point).
