Chimney Tops Trailhead
A strenuous 4-mile roundtrip hike in the Smokies, known for its steep climb and rewarding mountain vistas.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Vibrant fall colors
Chimney Tops Trailhead
Best Time
Vibrant fall colors
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A strenuous 4-mile roundtrip hike in the Smokies, known for its steep climb and rewarding mountain vistas.
"The view is amazing and the hike back down is a breeze."
👟 Bring Hiking Poles
A hiking stick is highly recommended for the steep, stair-filled sections.
💧 Hydrate and Snack
Pack ample water and snacks; it's a long 1.75 miles uphill. Take breaks!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic Mountain Vistas
Summit Viewpoint
Breathtaking 360-degree views of the Great Smoky Mountains await after a challenging ascent.
Cascading Streams and Bridges
Lower Trail Sections
Enjoy picturesque waterfalls and charming bridges in the initial, more moderate parts of the hike.
Autumn Foliage Spectacle
Entire Trail
Experience vibrant fall colors painting the mountainsides during the autumn season.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Prepare for a Steep Climb
Check Trail Status & Views
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Bring Hiking Poles
A hiking stick is highly recommended for the steep, stair-filled sections.
💧 Hydrate and Snack
Pack ample water and snacks; it's a long 1.75 miles uphill. Take breaks!
🧥 Pack a Light Jacket
The summit can get chilly, even on warmer days.
📸 Capture the Scenery
The trail offers beautiful views, especially during autumn.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Bring Hiking Poles
A hiking stick is highly recommended for the steep, stair-filled sections.
💧 Hydrate and Snack
Pack ample water and snacks; it's a long 1.75 miles uphill. Take breaks!
🧥 Pack a Light Jacket
The summit can get chilly, even on warmer days.
📸 Capture the Scenery
The trail offers beautiful views, especially during autumn.
🐻 Bear Safety
Bears are present but generally unbothered. Keep a safe distance and don't feed them.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
This trail is a challenging but rewarding hike with stunning summit views, especially in autumn. While the climb is steep and involves many stairs, the scenery along the way and the panoramic vistas at the top are highly praised. Some visitors note the actual chimney tops are closed, but the accessible viewpoint still offers a great experience.
"Great trail to hike. There are a lot of steps!! Everytime you think you are to the top, there are more steps!! Once you get to the top the view is amazing and the hike back down is a breeze."
Heather
"Great hike! Photos are mixed between seasons. Just know what you're in for! Lots of stairs, and most of it is uphill the entire way. It may be just 1.75 miles, but its a long 1.75 miles. Pack a lunch and take breaks. Bears are here, but they really don't even care you are around. Just living their life eating leaves and what not. Have fun!"
Vince h
"This is a very difficult hike for people who do not get out and hike much. It is basically uphill the whole way. Stairs after stairs after stairs. There are several bridges at the beginning that help the scenery. But once you get to the sign that says 0.85 miles left to hike, it is straight up from there with less water around you. It is a beautiful view once you get to the top. We stayed at the top for a while, ate a snack, then hiked back down."
Jasmine Helming
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Chimney Tops Trailhead is located within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Access is typically via Newfound Gap Road (US-441). Parking can be limited, especially during peak seasons.
Yes, there is a parking area at the trailhead, but it fills up quickly. Arrive early, especially on weekends and during fall foliage season, or consider visiting on a weekday.
You can use GPS, but ensure your navigation system is updated. The trailhead is well-marked along Newfound Gap Road.
If the main parking lot is full, you may need to find alternative parking further down Newfound Gap Road and walk back, or consider visiting less popular trails.
Public transportation options are very limited within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Driving your own vehicle or using a shuttle service (if available) is the most common way to reach the trailhead.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is free. However, a parking tag is required for any vehicle parked for more than 15 minutes within the park.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is open year-round, 24 hours a day. The trailhead itself is accessible during daylight hours.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park does not have an entrance fee. However, a parking tag is required for vehicles parked for more than 15 minutes.
No, advance booking is not required or available for Chimney Tops Trail as it's a natural attraction within a national park. Parking tags can be purchased online or at various locations within the park.
The actual chimney tops are closed due to fire damage. The accessible viewpoint is open, but trail conditions can change. Always check the park's official website for any alerts or closures.
🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience
The Chimney Tops Trail is considered strenuous. It's a steep, uphill hike with many stairs, covering about 1.75 miles to the viewpoint.
The hike to the viewpoint is approximately 1.75 miles one-way, taking about 1.5 to 3 hours roundtrip, depending on your fitness level and how long you spend at the top.
You'll get stunning panoramic views of the surrounding Great Smoky Mountains. While the very top is closed, the accessible viewpoint offers impressive vistas.
Restroom facilities are typically available at major trailheads within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, including Chimney Tops.
While some reviewers mention young children completing the hike, it is very strenuous. It's best suited for older children who are accustomed to challenging hikes.
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning or late afternoon offer the best light for photography. Autumn provides vibrant foliage, making it a prime time for scenic shots.
You can capture dramatic mountain vistas, lush forest scenes, cascading streams, and the unique rock formations (from a distance).
Drone usage is restricted in all National Parks, including the Great Smoky Mountains. Check the NPS website for current regulations.
A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes. Consider a sturdy tripod for low-light conditions and a polarizing filter to enhance colors.
The summit viewpoint is the main attraction for photos. However, many scenic spots with bridges and streams along the lower parts of the trail are also photogenic.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider the initial sections of the trail, with its bridges and streams, as a more manageable and scenic introduction.
⛰️ Avid Hikers & Fitness Enthusiasts
The payoff at the summit viewpoint is a spectacular reward for your efforts. The panoramic views of the Great Smoky Mountains are truly breathtaking and make the strenuous climb feel worthwhile.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Challenge of the Climb
Many reviewers advise packing plenty of water and snacks, and taking frequent breaks to manage the exertion. Despite the difficulty, the trail offers rewarding scenery even before reaching the summit. The initial sections feature charming bridges crossing over streams and lush forest environments.
It's important to note that the actual 'chimney tops' are closed to the public due to fire damage sustained in 2016.
Best Times for Fall Foliage
Many visitors specifically seek out this trail during fall for its exceptional scenic beauty. The higher elevation of the Great Smoky Mountains often means the fall colors appear earlier here compared to surrounding areas.To capture the best photographic opportunities and enjoy the colors with fewer crowds, visiting on a weekday morning in mid-to-late October is often recommended.
The crisp mountain air and the kaleidoscope of colors make for an unforgettable experience. Remember that this is a popular time, so arriving early to secure parking is crucial. Even if you don't reach the very top, the journey through the colorful forest is a reward in itself. The interplay of light filtering through the autumn leaves and the rugged mountain landscape offers numerous picturesque moments.
+1 Be prepared for cooler temperatures at higher elevations, and always check the fall color reports for the most accurate timing. 
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