Hike the Chimney Tops

Gatlinburg, Tennessee

4.9/5
based on 22 reviews

Details

Distance

4.03 miles

Elevation Gain

1306 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Mason Boring

Scramble to the top of the peak for great summit views on this short and steep, but fun hike in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

The Chimney Tops 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 common to see a hundred people taking in the views 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 an 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. All who do this hike won't regret the solitude or the view.

Read More

Download the Outbound mobile app

Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use.

Get the app
Download GPX File

Features

Photography
Hiking
Forest
Scenic
Wildflowers
Wildlife
Swimming Holes

Hike the Chimney Tops Reviews

My 2 college friends and one of their moms and I took this hike yesterday and what a great time we had! A couple of us are pretty out of shape so the steep and constant uphill battle took us about 3 hours to get up but when we hit the top it was completely worth it! Breathtaking honestly. Also, because we took the majority of pictures on the way up it only took an hour to come back off. Definitely come see it!!

Really steep. Lots of breaks. Huge pay off!

We are planning to visit this weekend since they've reopened the trail as of the 06-Oct. http://www.hikinginthesmokys.com/chimney.htm It looks beautiful!

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Mt. LeConte via Alum Cave Bluff

Camp out at Mt. LeConte Lodge via Alum Cave

Appalachian Trail: Charlie's Bunion and Kephart Loop

Quilliam Cave via Courthouse Rock Trail

Photograph the Smokies from Morton Overlook

Mount LeConte-Cliff Tops via Rainbow Falls Trail