Absolutely worth the hike to check this out. It's not too strenuous of a hike back to it at about 2 miles. The trail is easy to follow but there are a lot of exposed roots on so you do have to watch your steps. It doesn't get too steep until you're just about there and even then it's pretty manageable. The views were far better than clingman's dome in my opinion and far less crowded (and no traffic jams).