The Chimney Tops Trail in Great Smoky Mountains National Park is an iconic hike that you won’t want to miss! 😍
This popular hike draws visitors from all around the world with its striking beauty and reputation as one of the park’s most scenic trails.
Covering 3.8 miles, this trail features a steep ascent that rewards determined hikers with incredible views. Along the way, you’ll cross picturesque footbridges, pass cascading streams, and wander through lush forests of rhododendron, hemlock, and hardwood trees.
Although the final 0.25 miles of the trail remain closed due to fire damage from the 2016 Chimney Tops 2 Fire, a thoughtfully constructed observation platform ensures you won’t miss out on the area’s awe-inspiring views.
The Chimney Tops Trail offers an unforgettable adventure and is a must-do when visiting the Great Smoky Mountains. Read this complete guide so you’re fully prepared for this epic hike! 🙌
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Chimney Tops Trail in Smoky Mountains: Trail Stats and Map
Chimney Tops Trail Stats
Starting Point: Chimney Tops Trailhead
Length: 3.8 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,400 feet
Difficulty: Challenging
Hiking Time: 2 to 4 hours
Route Type: Out-and-back
Pet-friendly? No, pets are not allowed
Hike Features: Overlook with views of Chimney Tops and Mt. LeConte
⚠️ Due to the 2016 wildfire, the last 0.25 miles of the trail remain closed due to safety concerns and environmental preservation.
Chimney Tops Trail Map
Chimney Tops Trailhead and Parking
The Chimney Tops Trailhead is located along Newfound Gap Road about 7 miles south of Sugarlands Visitor Center and about 22 miles north from Oconaluftee Visitor Center.
The parking area can hold 34 vehicles but due to this trail’s popularity, it can fill up fast.
Arrive early to snag a parking spot!
You can also book a shuttle to take you to the trailhead!
Don’t forget to purchase a parking tag! ⬇️
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. Daily and weekly tags may be purchased online, and annual tags can also be purchased online, or on-site.
Parking tags are NOT 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.
Find more information about parking tags HERE.
Best Time to Hike Chimney Tops Trail
Spring and fall are the most ideal times to hike the Chimney Tops Trail, but it can be a great experience in any season!
🌷 Spring (March – May): The trail comes alive with blooming wildflowers and lush green foliage, and the cooler temperatures make the steep ascent more comfortable. However, spring showers are common, so check the forecast and be prepared for potentially muddy conditions.
🥾 Next Adventure: Check out this walk-behind waterfall – Grotto Falls!
☀️ Summer (June – August): Summer offers long daylight hours and vibrant greenery, but it’s also the busiest time on the trail. Arrive early to secure parking and avoid the crowds!
While the forest provides shade, the steep climb can be taxing in the summer heat, so bring plenty of water to stay hydrated.
🍂 Fall (September – November): Fall might be the most stunning time to hike the Chimney Tops Trail! The Smoky Mountains burst into a symphony of reds, oranges, and yellows, providing incredible views along the trail and from the overlook.
This season is also extremely popular, so plan for crowds and consider a weekday hike for a quieter experience.
☃️ Winter (December – February): Winter hikes are serene and uncrowded, with clear, crisp air offering some of the best visibility. Snow and ice may coat the trail, creating a magical atmosphere but also slippery conditions. Proper gear, like hiking poles and traction devices, is essential!
⚠️ Road closures may occur due to severe weather, so make sure to check the current conditions before heading out!
Chimney Tops Fire and Restoration
In November 2016, the Chimney Tops 2 Fire devastated the Great Smoky Mountains, burning nearly 18,000 acres, including 11,410 acres within the national park.
The wildfire, which began at Chimney Tops, spread rapidly northward, reaching downtown Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge.
Tragically, it claimed 14 lives, injured over 170 people, destroyed more than 2,000 structures, and caused over $500 million in damages.
The fire, determined to be human-caused, led to the arrest of two juveniles for aggravated arson. Chimney Tops was heavily impacted by the blaze, and the trail remained closed for almost a year.
In October 2017, it reopened with a new observation point situated about 0.25 miles from the summit. This platform provides stunning views of Mount LeConte and the Chimney Tops summit.
However, the final section of the trail and its rocky pinnacles remain closed due to safety concerns and environmental preservation.
Even before the fire, the steep summit route required frequent search-and-rescue efforts, highlighting its challenging and hazardous terrain.
Efforts to restore Chimney Tops Trail began in 2012 through the Trails Forever Program, which addressed severe erosion caused by heavy foot traffic and rainfall.
Restoration included adding 367 steps, improving drainage, and redefining trail sections to enhance safety and prevent further damage.
While the 2016 fire destroyed much of the summit area, these earlier improvements remain intact, offering hikers a safer and more enjoyable journey to the Chimney Tops Overlook.
The trail’s closure beyond the overlook ensures the protection of its fragile environment and the safety of future visitors.
Chimney Tops Trail: Step-by-Step Directions
Chimney Tops Trail
Follow the Chimney Tops Trail and begin by descending down a set of steps.
The first section of the Chimney Tops Trail offers a serene and picturesque start to your hike.
You’ll cross multiple charming footbridges while the soothing sound of rushing river water accompanies you, creating a peaceful ambiance. Take the time to savor this tranquil stretch.
I like to call this section “the calm before the storm” because the rest of the trail toward the Chimney Tops Overlook is going to be tough!
Steps, Steps, and More Steps
Now the real fun begins. The next section of this hike involves many switchbacks and…
steps. Lots and lots of steps!
Chimney Tops Overlook
✨ One eternity later ✨ (SpongeBob narrator voice)
After what feels like an endless climb of steps, you’ll finally arrive at the Chimney Tops Overlook!
On a clear, sunny day, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views, with the jagged peaks of Chimney Tops to the north and the majestic Mount LeConte to the east.
⛰️ Want more amazing views of the Great Smokies? Visit Kuwohi!
Gate (last 0.25 miles closed)
You can follow the Chimney Tops Trail a little further until you reach a gate marking the end of the accessible path.
As mentioned earlier, the final 0.25 miles of the trail remain closed for safety reasons and restoration.
Retrace your steps to return to the parking lot.
Congrats, you did it! 🥳
Tips for Hiking the Chimney Tops Trail
1. Start Early: Beat the crowds and enjoy cooler temperatures by starting your hike early in the morning, especially during peak season.
2. Bring Plenty of Water and Snacks: The hike involves quite a bit of elevation gain, so stay hydrated. Carry at least 2-3 liters of water. Also, bring high-energy snacks to refuel and help maintain your energy during those steep sections.
3. Be Physically Prepared: With a 1,400-foot elevation gain, be ready for a challenging ascent. Take your time and pace yourself.
4. Be Bear Aware: Black bears are active within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Follow these guidelines to avoid any negative interactions with a black bear.
5. Respect Nature: Follow Leave No Trace principles – plan ahead, pack out all trash, avoid disturbing wildlife, be considerate of others, and respect the natural beauty of Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Chimney Tops Trail Packing List
👚 Layers of Clothing (top) – Pack a moisture-wicking base layer, a fleece mid-layer, an insulated jacket, and an outer shell to protect you from the elements, such as rain and wind. You may not need all these layers, especially in the summer months, but it’s always best to be over-prepared!
Check out my favorite tops 👇
- Base layer: REI Co-op Sahara Shade Hoodie (warm/mild conditions) and REI Co-op Midweight Long-Sleeve Base Layer (cooler conditions)
- Fleece mid layer: Cotopaxi Teca Fleece Full-Zip Jacket
- Down mid layer: Cotopaxi Fuego Hooded Down Jacket
- Outer shell: In the summer I always pack a light windbreaker, such as the Cotopaxi Teca Crop Windbreaker or the RevolutionRace Unit Light Windbreaker. If cold, windy, and rainy conditions are in the forecast (or there’s a slight possibility), I make sure to pack my Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Jacket.
🩳 Hiking Shorts or Pants – Pack a comfortable, durable, and stretchy pair of hiking shorts or pants. Also think about what conditions you might run into, such as warm or cold temperatures, wind and/or rain, bugs, and overgrown trails.
Check out my favorite hiking bottoms 👇
- Cotopaxi Losdos Zip-Off Pants
- RevolutionRace Breezy Ankle Outdoor Pants
- Baleaf Fleece-Lined Jogger Pants
- RevolutionRace Summit Pocket Tights
- Revolution Race Hike & Dive Shorts
🥾 Hiking Footwear – Bring a good pair of hiking boots or shoes with good traction. If I’m not expecting to hike in too much mud or snow, my go-to hiking shoes are the Altra Lone Peak trail runners. They have a wide-toe box, 0 mm heel-to-toe drop, and MaxTrac rubber outsole. Plus, they’re lightweight and so comfy!
🧦 Socks – Moisture-wicking, quick-drying socks are the way to go. My favorite pair of hiking socks are Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Cushion Socks. Always pack an extra pair!
🎒 Day Pack – What you plan to do (sightseeing, hiking, etc.), determines what size pack you’ll need. Here is what I typically bring based on what I’m doing that day 👇
- Short walks and sightseeing: Cotopaxi Kapai 1.5L Del Dia Hip Pack
- Short, easy to moderate day hikes: REI Co-op Flash 22L Pack
- Long, moderate to challenging day hikes: REI Co-op Trail 25L Pack or Cotopaxi Luzon Del Dia 24L Pack
🥢 Trekking Poles – Essential for stability, balance, and support when hiking trails, especially on tough, rocky, and uneven terrain. I use REI Co-op Trailmade Trekking Poles and love them!
❄️ Microspikes – Bring a pair of microspikes if you’re visiting in the winter and you’re planning to hike along icy trails. They will give you good traction to avoid slipping! I use Black Diamond Access Spike Traction Device.
🦟 Mosquito/Bug Repellants – In the warmer months, be prepared for annoying gnats, mosquitoes, and flies. Wear long-sleeve clothing, a head net, and use bug spray.
🧤 Extra Warm Layers – If you expect cooler conditions or hiking to higher elevations, make sure to pack extra layers for added warmth, such as gloves, beanie, neck gaiter, and a light jacket.
🗺️ Navigation – Carry a physical topographic map, compass, a satellite messenger (or personal locator beacon), and download offline maps to help you stay on course, find your way in unfamiliar terrain, and call for help if needed.
🔦 Headlamp/Flashlight – A reliable light source with extra batteries, in case you end up hiking in the dark or need it for emergency situations.
💧 Water – Water bottles to carry sufficient water to stay hydrated, along with a filtration system or purification tablets if you plan to refill from natural sources.
🍕 Food – Energy-rich snacks or meals to keep your energy levels up during the hike.
😎 Sun Protection – Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sunhat to protect yourself from harmful UV rays, even when it’s cloudy. Also, polarized sunglasses are important when it’s bright outside and to reduce glare from reflective surfaces like water, snow, and roads.
🩹 First-Aid Kit – A basic first-aid kit with items like bandages, antiseptic, pain relievers, and any personal medications you may need.
🥶 Emergency Shelter – Pack an emergency bivy sack or space blanket for shelter in case of sudden weather changes.
🔥 Fire – A lighter, matches, or fire starter to help you build a fire for warmth or signaling in case of emergency. Along with matches, I also carry a multi-tool carabiner that has a fire starter, utility blade, screwdriver, and bottle opener.
🗡️ Multi-Tool and Repair Kit – A versatile tool/knife and repair kit to handle any task, from preparing food to making repairs.
💩 Waste Disposal Supplies – WAG bags, trowel, toilet paper, pee cloth, wipes, Ziploc bags – be sure to pack out everything!
Conclusion
Although the most thrilling part of the Chimney Tops Trail is closed (for good reason), this hike is still a must-do on your Great Smoky Mountains trip!
The stunning views along the trail and at the Chimney Tops Overlook are absolutely worth it, and the sense of accomplishment after completing this challenging trek makes it all the more rewarding.
If this guide inspires you to hike Chimney Tops Trail in the Smoky Mountains, I’d love to hear about your adventure. Leave a comment and share your experience!
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