The Chimney Tops Trail in Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a challenging, 3.5-mile trail that offers gorgeous views of the park. The consistently steep grades (and multiple sets of stone and wood steps) make this a great trail to raise your heart rate and work your leg muscles.
We completed the trail on a below-freezing November afternoon (after visiting Kuwohi), working our hardest to finish before sunset. And we did it! With several rest breaks along the way. It was definitely one of the highlights of our long weekend in Gatlinburg.
If this trail is on your to-do list, the guide below has everything you need to know!
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Partial Trail Closure
In 2016, a wildfire fueled by drought and winds burned more than 10,000 acres inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Due to the damage, part of the Chimney Tops Trail was closed.
Hikers can still access the Chimney Tops overlook and the view southeast toward Mount Mingus. However, the last quarter-mile of the trail (the scramble on the Chimney Tops rock pinnacles) is closed off to hikers.
Prepare For Your Hike on the Chimney Tops Trail
Parking
There is a small parking area right off Newfound Gap Road next to the trailhead. It holds about two dozen cars. And if that area is full, continue down the road about a tenth of a mile (towards “The Loop”) where you’ll find space for another half-dozen cars.
Park Fees
Although Great Smoky Mountains National Park does not charge an entrance fee, they do charge daily parking fees. It’s $5 per day or $15 for the week. You can buy the passes in person or online. Learn more about the parking fees here.
Amenities
There are no restrooms or picnic tables at the Chimney Tops Trailhead. The closest restrooms are at the Alum Cave Trailhead (about 2 miles east on Newfound Gap Road) or at the Chimneys Picnic Area (about 4 miles west on Newfound Gap Road).
The Chimneys Picnic Area also has picnic tables.
Cellular Service
Cell service is spotty in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Download a map of the trail before you head out!
Pets
Pets are not allowed on the Chimney Tops Trail at Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Bring the Necessities
No matter how long or short a hiking trail is, you should always be prepared with the basic hiking necessities, including water, snacks, and a first aid kit. Also, due to the steep grade and number of stairs along the trail, you might want to bring a set of hiking poles.
Be a Responsible Visitor
Remember to respect nature as you visit this park. Stay on established paths, pack out your trash (including food waste), and leave what you find behind.
The more popular these destinations become, the more we need to keep our parks and lands clean and safe for everyone. You can learn more here.
Hiking the Chimney Tops Trail at Great Smoky Mountain National Park
| Trail Location: | On Newfound Gap Road, about 8 miles from the North Entrance. |
| Trail Length: | 3.5 miles |
| Trail Difficulty: | Harder side of Moderate due to the steep grade (almost 30%) along the trail |
| Trail Type: | Out and back |
| Elevation Gain: | 1300 feet |
| Dog Friendly: | No |
Starting the Trail
The trail begins at the parking area on Newfound Gap Road. There is a clear sign marking the start of the trail with information about the partial trail closure.
Water Crossings
Right after you start the trail, you’ll encounter two footbridges crossing the West Prong of the Little Pigeon River. They offer a calm, scenic start to what will become a steep climb!
Stairs, Stairs, and More Stairs
Almost immediately after the second water crossing, you are greeted by stairs on the trail. Stairs, whether made of rock or wood, are a common sight along the Chimney Tops Trail.
When you are climbing 1300 feet in less than 2 miles, stairs are practically guaranteed!
Fork in the Road
About a mile into the hike, the trail splits. Going left puts you on the Road Prong Trail, leading to two small waterfalls (Trickling Falls and Talking Falls) and eventually connecting to the Appalachian Trail.
However, to reach the top of the Chimney Tops Trail, make a right. And then, you guessed it, continue up the stairs!
Rest Breaks and More Stairs
It’s about this point on the trail that you’ll be happy to never see a set of stairs on a hiking trail again! But, thankfully, there are a few good spots to rest, including a stone bench and a fallen tree.
The kids took advantage of both!
Reaching The Overlook
Once you reach the overlook, celebrate! There are no more stairs to climb (but you will have to walk down them). Take a minute to enjoy the view to the southeast, looking at Mount Mingus. And then follow the trail north to get a view of the Chimney Tops.
You won’t be able to continue much further along the trail. A metal gate blocks access to the last quarter-mile of the trail.
Heading Back Down
This is an out-and-back trail, so once you’re done taking in the view, turn around and head back down the way you came. Don’t forget to tell the struggling uphill hikers that they are getting close to the top, even when they aren’t.
Chimney Tops Trail Wrap Up
This was a tough trail. Not because of any crazy rock scramble, but because of the consistently steep grade and stairs along the trail. We completed the trail on a below-freezing afternoon after visiting Kuwohi (formerly Clingmans Dome), and we might have been too tired to truly appreciate the trail.
However, I still think it’s worth doing, especially if you’d like a trail that will get your heart rate up and your quads burning.
We only had one day in Great Smoky Mountains National Park during our long weekend in Gatlinburg, but I’d love to return to explore more of the incredible hikes inside the park.
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