Chimney Tops - Hike to Chimney Tops in the Smoky Mountains


Trail Features:		Panoramic Views
Trail Location:		Newfound Gap Road
Roundtrip Length:		4.0 miles
Total Elevation Gain:		1350 feet
Avg. Elev Gain / Mile:		675 feet
Highest Elevation:		4677 feet
Trail Difficulty Rating:		6.70 (moderate)
Parking Lot Latitude:		35.63538
Parking Lot Longitude:		- 83.46979

Directions to Trailhead:

The trailhead for Chimney Tops is located roughly 6.7 miles south of the Sugarlands Visitor Center (between the lower tunnel and "the loop" on Newfound Gap Road).

Trail Description:

Chimney Tops Trail is one of the most popular trails off Newfound Gap Road. The trail owes much of its popularity to its short length and its outstanding panoramic views at the pinnacles. The length, only 2 miles, however, makes for a very steep hike - so much so that many hikers don't even reach the top. The first half of the trail is fairly tame. However, to reach the summit, hikers have to climb more than 900 feet over the course of the last mile! This is similar to the kind of elevation gain you see on some of the 14,000-foot peaks in Colorado.

The first section of trail follows the Road Prong creek, and crosses several footbridges along the one mile hike to Beech Flats. If you're hiking this trail during the spring or early summer, be on the lookout for rhododendron and many of the wildflowers that bloom in this area during this time of year. Beech Flats marks the approximate half way point of the trail. There's also a trail junction here. The Road Prong Trail branches off to the left towards the Appalachian Trail at Indian Gap, roughly 2.4 miles away. The Road Prong Trail, which continues to follow the stream of the same name, is one of the oldest trails in the Smokies. In the 18th and 19th centuries this ancient path was commonly known as the Indian Gap Trail.

To reach the Chimney Tops you'll want to stay on the trail that veers towards the right.

Now the fun begins - that is if you enjoy hiking steep terrain. From the junction the trail begins a westerly course and climbs roughly 700 feet over the next two-thirds of a mile, before swinging northward to climb the ridge leading to the summit.

Once at the top, signs erected by the National Park Service remind hikers to exercise caution and not to stray beyond the peak area. Chimney Tops is one of the few mountains in the Smokies with a bare rock summit.

While no technical gear is needed, it should be noted that a short scramble is necessary to reach the very top of the capstones. Many injuries have occurred in this area, so take proper precautions to keep yourself and your companions safe. If you're not up to the challenge you'll still have some outstanding views without having to climb the pinnacles.

From the 4677-foot summit, Mt. LeConte and Mt. Kephart dominate the views towards the east, while Sugarland Mountain dominates the view to the west. On a clear day, the Sugarlands valley is visible towards the north.

Best Easy Day Hikes covers 22 hikes in the Smokies, including "Quiet Walkways," self-guided nature trails, and recommendations based on best views, nature lovers, history hikes, waterfalls, etc.