The first part of the trail is a steep incline followed by ladders and chains to go up. The Carlons Chains is not for the inexperienced. The NPWS lists it as a climbing route, not a bushwalking route . The latter part through Blue Dog ridge is an unmarked trail full of new trees popping up after bushfires. The loop ends with a path following Carolsons Creek back to Dunphys Campground.

Pros: great work out, fantastic views for the heads, great to see

Cons: Easy to get lost, can be boring to go for kilometers without lookouts and through a dense bush, at least 2 hour drive to the trailhead from Sydney

Our maps you will find here and here. Hiked on 30 May 2021.