Class 2 3.4 miles 1500 gain 1-2 hr Out + Back May 2, 2016
Effort
Beauty
Personality
Solitude

Chimney Tops GPX Track

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This route may have access issues.

After the 2017 fire, the last bit to the summit pinnacles is closed. I don't know when/if it will be reopened.

This classic Great Smoky Mountains National Park hike reaches the summit of Chimney Tops, a twin set of cool-looking points. We started south from the trailhead along the Chimney Tops Trail, which begins by paralleling a pretty creek. The trail is complete with bridges and stone staircases. It slowly gains elevation before climbing more steeply to the west, making its way to the south ridge of Chimney Tops. The first view toward the summit is really cool, since the ridgeline is topped with slabs of rock and it juts out over the horizon. Some light scrambling leads across the slabs and up to the high point.

PEAKS ON HIKE
Elevation (ft) / Prominence (ft)
Peaks on hike
Elevation
Prominence
1
Chimney Tops
4800 ft
120 rise

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Along the Chimney Tops Trail.
Along the Chimney Tops Trail.
A nice footbridge to cross a creek.
A nice footbridge to cross a creek.
Image 2 from gallery
Slow ascent on a well-maintained trail.
Slow ascent on a well-maintained trail.
Stone steps paralleling flowing water.
Stone steps paralleling flowing water.
More steep climbing on the way up to the southern ridge of Chimney Tops.
More steep climbing on the way up to the southern ridge of Chimney Tops.
Image 6 from gallery
Image 7 from gallery
A view point along the way.
A view point along the way.
Chimney Tops visible ahead.
Chimney Tops visible ahead.
Approaching the ridgeline scramble.
Approaching the ridgeline scramble.
Image 11 from gallery
Image 12 from gallery
Along the Chimney Tops rock slabs.
Along the Chimney Tops rock slabs.
Great views from Chimney Tops.
Great views from Chimney Tops.
A view north from Chimney Tops.
A view north from Chimney Tops.
View south along the Chimney Tops ridgeline.
View south along the Chimney Tops ridgeline.
Image 17 from gallery
Image 18 from gallery

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!