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Chimney Tops Trail

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Difficult Difficult
 4.7 (152)
  1. Areas
  2. NC
  3. …West and Mountains
  4. …Great Smoky Mountains National Park
  5. Mount Le Conte
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“A great out and back hike on a steep two mile trail with unbelievable views. ”

Dolly McLean
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Map Key

4.2

Miles

6.7

KM

Out and Back

4,752' 1,448 m

High

3,407' 1,038 m

Low

1,420' 433 m

Up

1,420' 433 m

Down

13%

Avg Grade (7°)

60%

Max Grade (31°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Fall Colors · River/Creek · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

The trail is permanently closed at 1.75 miles where there is an overlook of the chimney tops. There is no access to the chimney tops.

Overview

This beautiful hike is about 4 miles roundtrip. The trail is steep in some places as you climb to the high point of 4840 ft., before descending back the way you came.

Description

Start from the paved parking lot at the trailhead. If there is a tour bus, the trail will be crowded - if you want quiet, go in early winter. There is also a new sign with the trail description and route of the trail.

It is a 2 mile hike to the base of the rock. At the base of the rock, you can take a steep climb up the rock face - be careful as it is dangerous, especially in wet conditions. Climb at your own risk. However, you WILL enjoy the view from the top!

The trail begins at the low rock wall bordering the parking lot area. It descends to a bridge across the Walker Camp Prong of the Little Pigeon River. The trail then crosses several bridges along the mile to Beech Flats. The second and third bridge both cross the Road Prong and get you to Beech Flats Cove. This is the halfway mark of the trail.

At Beech Flats, the Chimney Tops Trail crosses the Road Prong Trail that in turn leads to the Appalachian Trail at Indian Gap, 2.3 miles away. If you are going to Chimney Tops, you'll need to stay on the main trail that veers right into a creek valley on the north side of Sugarland Mountain.

Flora & Fauna

Mountain laurel white and pink flowers in May - June. Rhododendron, red spruce, hemlocks and yellow Buckeyes

There are many flowering trees and shrubs. There is Fraser Magnolia near the first bridge. Its blossoms are large, white and pretty hard to miss when in bloom in late April into early May. There is also a large variety of wildflowers. In spring Trillium and Hepatica. In summer, Joe-Pye weed, Bee-balm, and Jewelweed . Violets, Toothworts and Foamflowers also grow nearby.

Shared By:

Dolly McLean with improvements by Tim Rainey
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.7 from 152 votes

#2

in Mount Le Conte

#64

Overall
  4.7 from 152 votes
5 Star
70%
4 Star
24%
3 Star
5%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#2

in Mount Le Conte

#3

in North Carolina

#64

Overall
7 Views Last Month
9,764 Since Sep 4, 2015
Difficult Difficult
0%
0%
17%
11%
71%
1%
Add a Photo

Photos

View from the trail
May 29, 2022 near Gatlinburg, TN
View below the Chimney Tops.
Dec 31, 2015 near Gatlinburg, TN
The day the Smokies are gone in the afternoon
Sep 3, 2015 near Gatlinburg, TN
We are about to surrender!
Dec 31, 2015 near Gatlinburg, TN
Water roaring over the rocks.
Dec 31, 2015 near Gatlinburg, TN
Heading up the flight of stairs.
Dec 30, 2015 near Gatlinburg, TN

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Weather

Current Trail Conditions

Minor Issues 20 days ago
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Nov 30, 2024
Matthew Acs
4mi
Apr 7, 2024
Zachary Bowen
4.2mi
Mar 31, 2024
Taylor Pruett
Mar 28, 2024
Miguel Rojas
Oct 22, 2023
Christian Keane
did
Oct 16, 2023
Thaise Nanette
3.5mi — 2h 15m
Oct 7, 2023
Ashley Price
Sep 17, 2023
Ilona Ring
Chimney tops were closed 3.8mi — 1h 54m

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