Chimney Tops Trail may not be the first trail that comes to mind when you’re planning your trip to the Great Smoky Mountains, but this out-and-back beauty of an experience is a true sleeper hit. We decided to take a deeper look at one of the most lauded, yet somehow understated trails in the park and came away absolutely gobsmacked. Learn more about the Chimney Tops Trail below, and maybe start planning your own weekend away. At just over four miles, this semi-short hike is one that’s bound to keep you in awe of Tennessee’s stunning natural expanse.
Paul Hewes - AllTrails The Chimney Tops Trail is one of the most popular trails in the Great Smoky Mountains for advanced hikers. At 4.5 miles in its entirety, the out-and-back trail gains a whopping 1,358 feet in elevation.
Ashley Bardin - AllTrails Keep in mind, this is one steep trail. Located off of Newfound Gap Road, the “difficult” rated trail should be taken slow and steady. The second mile is reportedly much steeper than the first, but the last mile ratchets up the difficulty level with 1000-feet of elevation gain.
Katie Obriecht - AllTrails There’s plenty to see along the way, including forested expanses and gurgling streams. If you come in the springtime, prepare to peep some wildflowers.
Paul Hewes - AllTrails The trail is best used from March until November, though it is open throughout the year. Most folks come to spend a day in the mountains or to take their own rustic backpacking trip. Be prepared to scramble and wear the right footwear! There are parts of the trail that get a bit rough.
Katie Obriecht - AllTrails That steep elevation gain is a real doozy, but the views throughout are truly a dream. Make sure you plan to visit on a day that’s sunny because at times the fog can hide the view at the top.
Katie Obriecht - AllTrails If you come in the wintertime, make sure to watch out for a bit of ice, snow, and mud. You may find yourself clambering along more than easily walking, so we’d recommend staying aware of your surroundings. Dogs, unfortunately, are not allowed on the trail.
Keith Dobbs - AllTrails Have you ever hiked the Chimney Tops Trail? Will you be visiting for yourself? It’s one of the most popular hikes in the park for a reason, and we’d recommend bringing a camera to capture the beauty.
Have you ever hiked the Chimney Tops Trail? It’s a true stunner, and we’re shocked that more folks aren’t raving about the views from the rugged peaks. You can learn more about the trail with a visit to its hiking site or perhaps by learning more about the Great Smoky Mountains yourself.
Paul Hewes - AllTrails
The Chimney Tops Trail is one of the most popular trails in the Great Smoky Mountains for advanced hikers. At 4.5 miles in its entirety, the out-and-back trail gains a whopping 1,358 feet in elevation.
Ashley Bardin - AllTrails
Keep in mind, this is one steep trail. Located off of Newfound Gap Road, the “difficult” rated trail should be taken slow and steady. The second mile is reportedly much steeper than the first, but the last mile ratchets up the difficulty level with 1000-feet of elevation gain.
Katie Obriecht - AllTrails
There’s plenty to see along the way, including forested expanses and gurgling streams. If you come in the springtime, prepare to peep some wildflowers.
Paul Hewes - AllTrails
The trail is best used from March until November, though it is open throughout the year. Most folks come to spend a day in the mountains or to take their own rustic backpacking trip. Be prepared to scramble and wear the right footwear! There are parts of the trail that get a bit rough.
That steep elevation gain is a real doozy, but the views throughout are truly a dream. Make sure you plan to visit on a day that’s sunny because at times the fog can hide the view at the top.
If you come in the wintertime, make sure to watch out for a bit of ice, snow, and mud. You may find yourself clambering along more than easily walking, so we’d recommend staying aware of your surroundings. Dogs, unfortunately, are not allowed on the trail.
Keith Dobbs - AllTrails
Have you ever hiked the Chimney Tops Trail? Will you be visiting for yourself? It’s one of the most popular hikes in the park for a reason, and we’d recommend bringing a camera to capture the beauty.
Continue to fall in love with the beauty of the Volunteer State with an afternoon spent wandering Big Hill Pond State Park.
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Address: Chimney Tops Trail, Tennessee 37738, USA
