Hike one of the most popular trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park – Chimney Tops! The panoramic views at the end make the tough uphill trek worth it. Be aware, the last 0.25 miles of the trail are closed due to fire damage which resulted in hazardous conditions. Thanks to a newly built observation point, you will have amazing views of the summit of Chimney Tops along with Mount LeConte. Add this iconic hike to your bucket list!
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Know Before You Go
Great Smoky Mountains – Parking Tags
Parking tags are required in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. There are three different tags you can purchase. Daily pass for $5, weekly pass for $15, or an annual pass for $40. Tags may be purchased online, or on-site. Parking tags will NOT be required for motorists who pass through the area or who park for less than 15 minutes, or while parked at their designated campsite. Entrance into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is FREE, but a parking tag is required.
Fire Damage & Safety Concern
In November 2016, a wildfire was reported in the Great Smoky Mountains. The wildfire, known as Chimney Tops 2 Fire, burned nearly 18,000 acres, including 11,410 acres in the National Park. Starting at Chimney Tops, the fire burned north reaching downtown Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. Unfortunately, 14 people lost their lives in the fire, injured more than 170 people, and destroyed over 2000 buildings with more than $500 million in damage. The wildfire was determined to be human caused. Two juveniles were arrested for aggravated arson.
Chimney Tops was heavily damaged from the fire and was closed to the public for almost a year. In October 2017, it was reopened with a newly built observation point which is about a quarter mile from the summit. The observation point provides views of Mount LeConte and the summit of Chimney Tops.
The last 0.25 miles of the Chimney Tops Trail remains closed to public use. The upper section of the trail and rocky pinnacles are deemed not safe for visitors. Prior to the fire, there has been numerous search and rescue operations due to the very steep route to the summit of Chimney Tops.
It’s not clear if the last section of the Chimney Tops Trail will ever open again for visitors. It has remained closed to preserve public health and protect the fragile environment of Chimney Tops.
Trail Renovations
Prior to the wildfire of 2016, the Trials Forever Program was launched in 2012 to rehabilitate Chimney Tops Trail. The trail was badly eroded due to heavy foot traffic, lots of rainfall, and unsafe terrain causing hikers to walk along the edges of the trail resulting in more erosion and damage.
Restoration efforts included installing 367 stone steps, redefining sections of the trail that were unsafe, strategies to prevent further erosion, and improving drainage of rainwater. These efforts created a better and safer experience for visitors along the Chimney Tops Trail! That is, until the 2016 wildfire destroyed Chimney Tops again, but only for the last 0.25 miles.
Steep Incline
Hiking along the Chimney Tops Trail to the observation point, you will gain about 1,400 feet in elevation in about 2 miles. That’s pretty darn steep! Some sources might rate this trail as moderate due to its relatively short length, but I would say it’s definitely more difficult than that.
When my husband and I hiked this trail in 2023, we passed a few hikers (maybe in their 50s or 60s) who couldn’t quite make it to the observation deck. Don’t underestimate this hike! Know your limits and be prepared.
Black Bears
Black bears are active within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Follow these guidelines to avoid any negative interactions with a black bear.
Leave No Trace
Before you go, please make sure you understand the Leave No Trace principles. These seven principles help reduce our environmental impact from outdoor recreational activities. Nature is meant to be enjoyed and respected. 🌱
- Plan ahead and prepare
- Travel and camp on durable surfaces
- Dispose of waste properly
- Leave what you find
- Minimize campfire impacts
- Respect wildlife
- Be considerate of others
About the Trail
Chimney Tops Trail
Location: Chimney Tops is located in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee.
Length & Elevation Gain: It’s about 3.8 miles with an elevation gain of 1,400 feet.
Hiking Time: It takes an average of 2 to 4 hours to complete this hike.
Route Type: This is an out-and-back hike.
Difficulty Rating: Hard to strenuous depending on fitness level.
Terrain: This trail has dirt, rocks, and plenty of steps (and I mean lots and lots of steps!)
Pet-friendly? No, pets are not allowed.
How to Get to the Trailhead
The Chimney Tops trailhead is located along Newfound Gap Road about 6.7 miles south of Sugarlands Visitor Center and about 22 miles north from Oconaluftee Visitor Center. There will be a decent size parking area off the side of the road.
The parking area is fairly big but due to this trail’s popularity, it can fill up fast. Arrive early to snag a parking spot!
Put this address in Google maps: Chimney Tops Trail Trailhead, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Trail Directions
Follow the Chimney Tops Trail and begin by descending down a set of steps.
Make sure to enjoy the first section of the hike as you cross over multiple bridges and hear the rushing water of the river. I say to enjoy this section because it’s going to get real (real tough) later on.
Next, is the fun part! Continuing hiking along the Chimney Tops Trail but this time it’s more of a climb. The trail becomes much steeper as you go up many switchbacks and…
lots and LOTs of stairs!!
You will soon reach the observation point. On a clear sunny day, you will be able to see Chimney Tops to the north and Mount LeConte and Alum Cave Bluffs to the east.
You can continue on the Chimney Tops Trail for a short distance until reaching a gate which stops you from going any further. Like I mentioned above, the last 0.25 miles of the trail is closed for safety reasons.
To return to the parking area, simply retrace your steps. Thankfully, it will mostly be all downhill! 🥳
Avoid the Crowds
If you’re like me and my husband, you want to avoid crowded places at all cost! Here’s a few tips to (hopefully) help avoid all the people.
Get there early! You can start hiking to Chimney Tops at any time. We recommend arriving as early as possible. Most people start coming into the parking area around 8-10 AM. Beat the crowd and get there before everyone else!
Go on a weekday! The most popular days people hike to Chimney Tops is on the weekends and most days during the summer. Kids are out of school and families are on vacation. The weekdays (especially in the off season) are the best days to go to avoid crowds.
Go in the offseason! This is the time of year when fewer people are traveling. Usually around late fall through the winter to early spring when the weather is not very ideal for outdoor activities.
Get a late start! Rather than hiking early in the morning, you can choose to hike later in the afternoon before sunset to avoid the crowds.
READ THIS: 15 Ways to Avoid Crowds in the Great Outdoors
We Vlogged Our Experience!
More Hikes in the Great Smoky Mountains
There are a bunch of awesome hikes to do in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park! Below is a list of some of our personal favorites.
Clingmans Dome – take a hike to the highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It’s a short yet very steep 0.5 mile-hike to an observation tower that offers beautiful 360-degree views.
Andrews Bald – hike 1.8 miles one-way to the highest grassy bald in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Escape the heavily congested crowds of Clingmans Dome and find more solitude at Andrews Bald. Enjoy the amazing views of the southern Smokies and Fontana Lake.
Abrams Falls – this is a very popular hike along the Cades Cove Loop. It’s a 2.5-mile one-way hike to a 20-foot waterfall. Although small, Abrams Falls has a large volume of water flowing over with a beautiful open pool at the base making it a great photo opportunity. Swimming can be dangerous due to strong currents and an undertow. Be safe and have fun!
Grotto Falls – hike 1.4 miles one-way to this unique waterfall. The Trillium Gap Trail takes you through an old-growth hemlock forest and continues behind the 25-foot waterfall. This is the only waterfall in Great Smoky Mountains National Park that you can walk behind!
Charlie’s Bunion – hike 4 miles one-way to one of the most picturesque spots along the Appalachian Trail and capture the breathing taking views from the unique rocky outcrop known as Charlie’s Bunion.
Alum Cave Trail to Mount LeConte – this is a very popular hike yet strenuous hike clocking in at 11 miles roundtrip with almost 2,800 feet of elevation gain. It’s an awesome adventure, and you will see Arch Rock, Alum Cave Bluff, Mount LeConte Lodge, Cliff Top, and Myrtle Point along the way!
Rainbow Falls – take a hike to a beautiful 80-foot waterfall. This 5.5-mile roundtrip hike is the perfect family adventure as the trail is rated moderate to hard difficulty. You might even see a rainbow at the waterfall!
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