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Chimney Tops Trail
Hiking Trail
Hard
3.91 mi
1,380 ft
Steep climb to a popular viewpoint near a craggy summit.
Chimney Tops Trail is one of the most popular hikes in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, due to its easy access from Gatlinburg and relatively short distance to rewarding views. It is not easy, however, because of its steepness. The Chimney Tops are a set of rock pinnacles at the top of the mountain. This trail now bears particular significance following the catastrophic wildfire of 2016. It’s where the fire started because of careless teenagers. After a period of closure and restoration, the trail has reopened. It now provides not only a great view, but also an intimate tour of the recovering ecosystem.
The first mile is relatively mellow, following a creek up a valley. Enjoy the streamside views and plentiful shade here. The second mile is much more difficult, as the trail heads pretty much straight up the mountain. There are some large roots and rock stairs all along the steep ascent to a ridgeline. The trail remains mostly under dense canopy, but near the top views open up quite a bit, mainly due to gaps left by burned trees.
Take time to admire the resurgence of growth that shows the forest’s resilience. Due to damage from the fire, the summit of the Chimney Tops is off limits. The culmination of the trail is an observation point on the ridge, where you can see many surrounding mountains and peer down the valley toward Gatlinburg.
Sources:
Written by Jesse Weber
Chimney Tops Trail is one of the most popular hikes in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, due to its easy access from Gatlinburg and relatively short distance to rewarding views. It is not easy, however, because of its steepness. The Chimney Tops are a set of rock pinnacles at the top of the mountain. This trail now bears particular significance following the catastrophic wildfire of 2016. It’s where the fire started because of careless teenagers. After a period of closure and restoration, the trail has reopened. It now provides not only a great view, but also an intimate tour of the recovering ecosystem.
The first mile is relatively mellow, following a creek up a valley. Enjoy the streamside views and plentiful shade here. The second mile is much more difficult, as the trail heads pretty much straight up the mountain. There are some large roots and rock stairs all along the steep ascent to a ridgeline. The trail remains mostly under dense canopy, but near the top views open up quite a bit, mainly due to gaps left by burned trees.
Take time to admire the resurgence of growth that shows the forest’s resilience. Due to damage from the fire, the summit of the Chimney Tops is off limits. The culmination of the trail is an observation point on the ridge, where you can see many surrounding mountains and peer down the valley toward Gatlinburg.
Sources:
Written by Jesse Weber
Created By
Strava Routes
Route and Elevation
Segments
| Name | Distance | Elev. Diff. | Avg. Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| chimney tops climb to overlook | 1.89 mi | 1,227 ft | 11.8% |
| Tennessee 71 Climb | 0.23 mi | 194 ft | 15.4% |
| Chimney Top overlook round trip | 3.77 mi | -1,286 ft | -0.0% |
| Tennessee 71 Climb | 1.85 mi | 1,211 ft | 12.3% |
| Chimney Tops Climb from Road Prong to Gate | 0.91 mi | 814 ft | 16.6% |