Chimney Top Mountain via Spicewood Branch Loop in Frozen Head State Park, UT

Hike Chimney Top Mountain via Spicewood Branch Loop Frozen Head State Park, UT

Class 1 8.3 miles 2900 gain 3-5 hrs Loop Nov 1, 2016
Effort
Beauty
Personality
Solitude

Chimney Top Mountain via Spicewood Branch Loop GPX Track

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I got to the park a little late, and was informed the trails close an hour before sunset. As a precaution, I got a free overnight permit just to make sure I didn't get a ticket. It's worth it in case.

I visited Frozen Head State Park a few years ago and saw some more fun trails on their map, so I vowed to return. On the way to the Smokies, I figured I would stop and check out the Chimney Top Trail. Especially with the orange leaves, this was a really pretty loop. A fairly consistently moderate grade takes you comfortably up to a ridgeline that has occasional views over the Tennessee countryside. The ridge leads up to the Chimney Top Mountain, whose summit includes a big rock formation that you can't miss. I found a few routes to the top, one a minor Class 2 scramble, and the view is really nice. From here, I continued the loop and finished on the Spicewood Trail, another pretty trail with a lighter grade than the Chimney Top Trail.

PEAKS ON HIKE
Elevation (ft) / Prominence (ft)
Peaks on hike
Elevation
Prominence
1
Chimney Top Mountain
3140 ft
380 rise
2
Mummy Cliff
6680 ft
320 rise

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Starting up along the Chimney Top Trail.
Starting up along the Chimney Top Trail.
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Lots of switchbacks along the Chimney Top Trail.
Lots of switchbacks along the Chimney Top Trail.
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Nearing the west ridge of Chimney Top Mountain.
Nearing the west ridge of Chimney Top Mountain.
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Along the ridge to Chimney Top Mountain.
Along the ridge to Chimney Top Mountain.
Chimney Top Mountain ahead.
Chimney Top Mountain ahead.
Optional Class 2 route up to Chimney Top Mountain.
Optional Class 2 route up to Chimney Top Mountain.
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Chimney Top Mountain summit.
Chimney Top Mountain summit.
Looking back up at Chimney Top Mountain - an easier way to the summit.
Looking back up at Chimney Top Mountain - an easier way to the summit.
Along the Chimney Top Trail, heading east along the pretty ridge.
Along the Chimney Top Trail, heading east along the pretty ridge.
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Wrapping around the south side of a bluff.
Wrapping around the south side of a bluff.
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Along the Spicewood Trail.
Along the Spicewood Trail.
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Almost back to the trailhead. A short walk along the paved road completes the loop.
Almost back to the trailhead. A short walk along the paved road completes the loop.

Hire me or show me some love!

Hire/refer me as a web developer or send me a few bucks if you find my site useful. I’m not sponsored, so all fees are out-of-pocket and my time preparing trip reports is unpaid. I really appreciate it!