Chimney Tops - Hike to Chimney Tops in the Smoky Mountains

Chimney Tops
Trail Features:		Panoramic Views
Trail Location:		Newfound Gap Road
Roundtrip Miles:		4.0 miles
Total Elevation Gain:		1350 feet
Avg. Elev Gain / Mile:		675 feet
Highest Elevation:		4750 feet
Trail Difficulty Rating:		6.70 (moderate)
Parking Lot Latitude:
Parking Lot Longitude:

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 of Newfound Gap Road. The trail owes much of its popularity to its short length and its outstanding panoramic views at the summit. 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 1000 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 trail crosses several bridges 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 many of the wildflowers and rhododendron that bloom during this time of the year. Beech Flats marks the approximate half way mark of the trail. There's also a trail junction here. The Road Prong Trail veers to the left towards the Appalachian Trail at Indian Gap, roughly 2.4 miles up trail. To reach the Chimney Tops you'll want to stay on the trail that veers towards the right.

The Road Prong Trail, which follows the stream of the same name at the base of Chimney Tops, 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.

Now the fun begins - that is if you enjoy hiking up steep trails.

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

While no technical gear is needed, it should be noted that a short climb 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 outstanding views without having to climb the pinnacles.

From the 4800-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.

The Cherokee name for Chimney Tops is Duniskwalgunyi, or "forked antler", referring to its resemblance to the antlers of a deer.