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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

A Smokies classic, always busy, but a must do

This is one of my favorite hikes in the Smokies. It is fairly short so the large elevation gain is over a short stretch. It will get your heart pumping. The best part is the climb up the rocks at the top which is necessary to get to the view. When you do make it up the rocks, the view is breathtaking. I continued about halfway to the second chimney but getting to the second chimney is definitely challenging. A must-do hike in the Smokies!

Absolutely one of my favorite hikes and my go-to when taking my friends out. I'm a thrill seeker i suppose and the scramble at the end is why i keep returning, once you're at the top of the first "chimney," you can, very carefully, continue on to two or three more with a little balance and boldness. :)

Leave No Trace

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

Nearby

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Quilliam Cave via Courthouse Rock Trail

Photograph the Smokies from Morton Overlook

Mount LeConte-Cliff Tops via Rainbow Falls Trail