I've done this hike twice. I didn't even know about it until I had hiked it with Snickers and Bushwhacker one day (Thank you!). It is a nice little gem deep in the High peaks, nestled near Johns Brook Lodge. If you find yourself in the area and realize you just don't feel like a high peak but want to hike something, this would be that hike.
It's a little hike to get to, to begin with. From the garden parking lot, it's about 3 miles to Johns Brook Lodge. From there it's a short jaunt of about .5 miles, off the Ore Bed trail.
There are a few steep sections that can be tricky in the summer, but it is short-lived before it turns into a short ridge walk to the summit that offers limited views of Armstrong/Upper Wold Jaw mountains.
The first...
Getting to Chimney mountain: Coming from Indian Lake, head south on Route 30 and turn left on Big Brook Rd after about 0.5 miles. Follow Big Brook Rd for 8 miles to end. The trailhead is on private property. Keep your dogs on leash and pay the $2 parking fee.
The trail is well marked and easy to follow along. The trail has a gradual rise of about 900 feet to an elevation of 2,720 feet. Towards the top, there are a few very short steeper sections. It's approximately 2.5miles round trip depending on how much exploring you do up top.
Navigating around is pretty straightforward, going in and out of caves. There was a set of caves closed due to protecting the bats. There was a lot to enjoy, even the cool breeze that sneaks its way through...
Started off with a foot of powder at the Blodgett Rd, turned around at Bartlett Pond with 2 feet of powder. Not our intended hike of Redfield and Cliff, but when you wake up at 2 am and can't get back to sleep, it's a good replacement.
About 6 miles round trip from the first gate. Broke trail in snowshoes in about 6-10 inches of snow. It is well packed out now for anyone local interested in taking a nice hike. You will need a four-wheel-drive to get to the first gate at the top of the hill. Dingo and I walked from there down through the marsh to the Ausable River and looped counterclockwise from the trestle. The only thing we saw was a rub and heard songbirds. A nice little hike nonetheless with a 40lb pack, great conditioning.
This is a short hike at around 3 miles round trip. The trail is all gradual incline, at some point follows an old jeep trail for a short distance. It is an enjoyable hike meandering through conifer and hardwoods until coming to Mud Pond itself.