Hiking the Chimney Tops Trail - A Must-Do Hike in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Looking for an unforgettable adventure that comes with a side of sweat and jaw-dropping views in Great Smoky Mountains National Park? Then join us on the remarkable Chimney Tops Trail, which is considered one of the most iconic and breathtaking hikes in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
This trail truly packs a powerful punch - it's relatively short yet steep, and entirely worth the exertion, offering some of the most unforgettable breathtaking vistas that the Smokies have to offer. Clocking in at 3.7 miles round trip with a stair master like 1,300 feet of elevation gain, the moderately difficult Chimney Tops Trail doesn’t hold back with the climbs starting just after the creek crossing at the trail head.
The Chimney Tops Trail starts on Newfound Gap Road, where the trailhead parking lot fills up faster than a pancake place in Gatlinburg, so make sure to get there early, or plan on using the Park’s shuttle service from one of the Visitor Centers. You are required to show a Great Smoky Mountains National Park or Interagency Annual Pass on your dashboard to park at this trailhead.
Once you step onto the trail, you are immediately greeted by lush, vibrant forests, dense rhododendrons, and the soothing sounds of babbling streams, and a series of rocky switchbacks that really make you work for every single step you take.
The payoff though? It’s absolutely glorious, even on a somewhat cloudy day like when we were there. The views at the top are so stunning, and make the steep climb worth it. You’ll stand at what feels like the edge of the world, soaking in the sweeping vistas of the majestic Chimney Tops. This is the hike that you’ll be reminiscing about long after you return to the trailhead.
Trail Guide: Beginning at the trailhead on Newfound Gap Road (US 441), the trail descends to a creek crossing and then another at about 0.2 miles, after which the trail begins its relenetless ascent to the Chimney Tops. The trail crosses another creek at 0.4 miles and continues its steep ascent alongside the creek. At about 1 mile, the trail intersects with the Road Prong Trail, which continues straight and eventually connects with the Appalachian Trail. At this trail intersection turn right and continue up the mountainside towards the Chimney Tops. The trail continues to climb, with plenty of rock and wooded steps, along with switchbacks almost a mile to the end of the trail at the Chimney Tops overlook area. The damage from the 2016 forest fire has closed the trail that ran to the summit of the Chimney Tops until further notice - so this is the end of your climb - but the view from here is more than rewarding enough.
You’ll head back down the same way that you came to the trailhead on Newfound Gap Road.
Trailhead: Chimney Tops Trailhead on Newfound Gap Road (U.S. 441)
Distance: 3.7 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: Approximately 1,300 feet
Difficulty: Strenuous
Features: Panoramic views, lush forest, rocky cascading streams
For More Information About This Hike
You can find out more about this hike here:
Our Hiking Advice and Hiking Gear Recommendations
Gear we used on this hike:
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Important Hiking Considerations:
Weather: Check the weather forecast before your hike and be prepared for changes in conditions.
Safety: Some sections of the trail can be steep and rocky, so always use caution and watch your footing.
Leave No Trace: As with any outdoor activity, remember to follow the principles of Leave No Trace. Pack out any trash, stay on the trail, and be respectful of the natural environment.
