Chimney Tops Trail in Great Smoky Mountains (directions and pictures)

Chimney Tops is a short trail in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It is located very near to Mount Leconte, sitting just West of the mountain. It is an extremely popular trail because of the outstanding views from its peak.

To get to the Chimney Tops trailhead from Gatlinburg, head south on Highway 441/Newfound Gap Road, and proceed for approximately nine miles. If you reach the Newfound gap road loop, you've gone too far. The trailhead will be on your right hand side, and you will be able to see the 'chimney top' peaks for which the trail is named.

• Dress in Layers. This goes without saying on essentially any hike, but Chimney Tops is a steep hike and you'll gain elevation quickly. The elevation change coupled with the 360 degree exposure at the peak can make for a very large temperature difference. Wearing the appropriate layers will ensure that you stay comfortable.
• Start Early or Hike out of season. Because Chimney Tops is a relatively short hike and the views from the peak are so beautiful, it is one of the most popular trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. To avoid crowds, start before the sun comes up and watch the sunrise from the peak. Alternatively, do a winter hike and miss the busy season.
• Fear of heights? If you have a fear of heights, this hike might not be for you. The last push to the summit classifies as a class 3 climb. This means that you need to use your hands for climbing and balance, but you don't need a rope. If you're not comfortable with exposed peaks and heights, you can still hike to the top, but you probably won't like the last 50 meters.
• Wear a traction device during the winter months. Things can get very icy in the Smoky Mountains during the winter, and for a steep hike like Chimney Tops you'll want some extra traction. I used Kahtoola Microspikes, and they worked amazingly well. The microspikes are made to slip on over your boots, and have chains and small spikes which criss-cross over the soles. The increased traction that they provide is very welcome on an icy trail.

You'll start the hike at the trailhead on Newfound Gap Road. The first part of the trail crosses three wooden bridges over relatively flat ground. Take a moment to take some pictures while you are there. The rivers and streams along the trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park are beautiful, and the water looks pristine.

After the bridges you will begin climbing uphill, and the ascent won't stop until you reached the peak. The trail is very well traveled and clearly marked for this stretch of the hike, so you won't have a problem finding your way. About one mile into the hike there will be a fork in the trail. Road Prong Creek trail will split to the left and Chimney tops will veer to the right.

After following the junction to the right, the trail will continue for another mile of solid, uphill hiking. Because I made this hike in the winter, I can't comment on the the wildlife and flora, but it is supposed to be beautiful in the spring and summertime. Personally, though, I enjoyed the solitude and snow-covered forest.

Finally, you'll reach the base of the first chimney. There are two peaks, with the first (southernmost) peak being the higher one. To get to the top, you'll have to climb up a class 3 rock scramble. If you're comfortable with that, as I was, it will be a ton of fun. If you have any doubts, I can tell you firsthand that the 360 degree view from the peak is definitely worth the rock scramble it takes to get there. However, if you are concerned that you have a true fear of heights, do not start climbing, as it will put you and your hiking partners in danger. I will most certainly hike this trail again. Next time, I plan to start out before sunrise and catch the sun come up over the mountains.

Chimney Tops is a popular climb, and for very good reason. Although there are much higher peaks in the park, nothing really compares to the type of bare rock summit that you find on Chimney Tops trail. Personally, I love the full day adventure that a long day hike to the top of Mount Leconte offers. But for a short hike that is challenging, fun, and incredibly scenic, Chimney Tops can't be beat.