Is Jinshanling to Simatai hike still closed?

Yes. The hiking path between Jinshanling and Simatai is still closed.

Indeed still closed. I did the hike on June 26th.
There is a nice alternative, especially for those hot summer days like now.

My taxi driver dropped me off at the Main gate; and picked me up at the East gate. This is about 4KM hike on the wall plus some walking to get on and off the wall.

It took me about 3 hours including picture taking, time to view and resting. During my hike it was 35 degrees Celcius and sunny so it was quite tough but definitely worth it!

We are planning to hike from Jinshanling to Simatai West in the next few weeks. May I ask how much approximately your taxi fare was and was is from Beijing city center to Jinshanling? I am looking at hiring a car ahead of time and I finding fares are $250.00 us dollars and up.

What do you mean by the "Main Gate" and the "East Gate"? Of Simatai? Of some other location? Please advise! Thank you!!