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Hike the Chimney Tops

Gatlinburg, Tennessee

4.9/5
based on 22 reviews

Details

Distance

4.03 miles

Elevation Gain

1487 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.

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Features

Photography
Hiking
Forest
Scenic
Wildflowers
Wildlife
Swimming Hole

Hike the Chimney Tops Reviews

Worth the hike. Winter months would be sketchy as we went in spring and it was snowy at the top but beautiful. Narnia like.

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.

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!

Leave No Trace

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

Nearby

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Photograph the Smokies from Morton Overlook

Mount LeConte-Cliff Tops via Rainbow Falls Trail