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Chimney Tops Trail

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Difficult
 4.7 (145) RECOMMENDED ROUTE
  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 145 votes

#2

in Mount Le Conte

#56

Overall
  4.7 from 145 votes
5 Star
70%
4 Star
25%
3 Star
5%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#2

in Mount Le Conte

#3

in North Carolina

#56

Overall
75 Views Last Month
9,684 Since Sep 4, 2015
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72%
1%
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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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Minor Issues 74 days ago See History
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Check-Ins

Jul 24, 2022
Megan Hermansen
Fun time.
Jul 18, 2022
Chris Byrd
2.8mi — 1h 30m
Jun 26, 2022
Paula M
Jun 26, 2022
Mackenzie Munie
Good hike. Lots of stairs. Good view. Found a waterfall on an offshoot trail. 5.7mi — 5h 02m
Jun 25, 2022
Esmeralda Sivirian
May 29, 2022
Stewart Carnes
May 24, 2022
Andrew Smyth
Nov 25, 2021
Robert O'Dea
14h 00m

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