Hike the Chimney Tops
Details
Distance
3.8 miles
Elevation Gain
1487 ft
Route Type
Out-and-Back
Added by Mason Boring
Scramble to the top of the peak for great summit views on this short steep, but fun hike in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
The Chimney Top's Trail is one of the most visited trails in the Smokies, which is why I recommend going up just before sunset to beat the crowd!
During the summer and fall months, it's easy to see a hundred people taking in the view on the same trail, but if you scramble on out after hours, you can easily find yourself alone just in time to catch the sunset. Get to the trailhead and hour and a half or two hours before sunset to give yourself plenty of time to explore in the daylight.
Be very cautious on the out scramble. This isn't recommended for beginners. But if you do, you won't regret the solitude or the view.
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Reviews
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Gone but still great!
Although this mountain was damaged by the fire this hike is still one of the best and the toughest in the smokies and is still worth seeing.
5.0
Beautiful Walk
The scramble was damaged during the Gatlinburg Fire and remains closed. The overlook, about a 1/4 mile shy of the scramble, is still a worthwhile destination!
4.0
Recently ravaged by fire
Great trail and one of the icons of the park. Was damaged by the wildfires a couple of years ago. Use caution.
4.0
Worth it!
You get halfway and you think, is this gonna be worth it? It is. I had hiked this when I was a kid and as a child with endless energy, I didn’t remember it being as strenuous as it is. We arrived at 11:00am and were back to the bottom by 1:30pm. I will agree with other reviewers, if you have bad knees this hike isn’t for you. Lots of stairs. Take your time, enjoy the scenery and the reward will be really amazing views from the top. Just a note also that The Pinnacles are still closed due to the 2016 fires.
5.0
S t a i r s
My husband and I did the trail in about 1.5 hours to get out and back, didn’t really know the extent of the stairs, but it was definitely worth it! The views are spectacular just note- if you have bad knees or feet, maybe another trail will be better 😬 not many flat parts to the 3.5ish miles. Either straight up or down
4.0
Leave No Trace
Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!
We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on.
Nearby Adventures
Hike to Mt. LeConte via Alum Cave Bluff
Camp out at Mt. LeConte Lodge via Alum Cave
Photograph the Smokies from Morton Overlook
Hike to Mount LeConte-Cliff Tops via Rainbow Falls Trail
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