The North Fork Mountain Trail to Chimney Top has been labeled by many to be one of the BEST hikes in West Virginia.
It’s definitely in my top three favorite hikes in West Virginia. 🏆
The full North Fork Mountain Trail stretches 24 miles through the stunning landscapes of the Spruce Knob-Seneca Rocks National Recreation Area and Monongahela National Forest.
But don’t worry, you don’t have to hike the entire thing to experience the magic of Chimney Top.
This out-and-back hike to Chimney Top is roughly 5.2 miles roundtrip.
It’s a bit of a challenge, but 100% worth the effort!
If you’ve never heard of this hike and you’re planning a trip to the Seneca Rocks area, do yourself a favor and add it to your itinerary.
I promise you won’t regret it. 😄
The views from the top are absolutely jaw-dropping, and the rock formations are unlike anything else in the region.
In my full guide, you’ll find everything you need to know to plan your hike, including where to park, how to find the trailhead, step-by-step trail directions, the best time to go, and even places to stay nearby.
- North Fork Mountain Trail to Chimney Top: Trail Stats + Map
- North Fork Mountain Trail to Chimney Top: Parking and Directions
- Best Time to Hike North Fork Mountain Trail to Chimney Top
- How to Reach Chimney Top via North Fork Mountain Trail
- Alternate Route: Chimney Top via Landis Trail and North Fork Mountain Trail
- Chimney Top Hiking Tips + Packing List
- Places to Stay Near Chimney Top West Virginia
- Conclusion
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North Fork Mountain Trail to Chimney Top: Trail Stats + Map
Chimney Top via North Fork Mountain Trail Stats
Starting Point: North Fork Mountain Trailhead (northern one off Smoke Hole Road)
Length: 5.2 miles
Elevation Gain: 2,000 feet
Difficulty: Challenging
Hiking Time: 3 to 4 hours
Route Type: Out-and-back
Pet-friendly? Yes, must be on leash
Hike Features: Incredible views at Chimney Top, unique rock formations
Chimney Top via North Fork Mountain Trail Map
North Fork Mountain Trail to Chimney Top: Parking and Directions
The North Fork Mountain Trailhead, the northern trailhead, is located off Smoke Hole Road near Cabins, West Virginia.
It’s a small gravel parking lot that can hold about 6 vehicles.
I read that it is legal to park alongside the road if the lot is full.
Best bet is to get there early to snag a parking spot!
Further south along Smoke Hole Road is another trailhead called the Landis Trail Trailhead (southern trailhead).
Starting from the southern trailhead is about the same distance to Chimney Top as the northern route.
I talk more about this alternate route further below!
Best Time to Hike North Fork Mountain Trail to Chimney Top
🌷 Spring (March–May): Spring brings comfortable temperatures and blooming wildflowers along the trail.
A quick Google search shows that May is typically the rainiest month in Cabins, West Virginia.
You can hike to Chimney Top in wet conditions, but be extra cautious – there are steep drop-offs, and the rocks can get dangerously slippery.
☀️ Summer (June–August): Hot and humid conditions make summer hiking more challenging.
Hiking to Chimney Top via North Fork Mountain Trail is quite challenging, so bring plenty of water and salty snacks.
It’s a good idea to begin this hike early in the morning or later in the day to avoid the hottest part of the day.
🍂 Fall (September–November): Fall is probably the best time to hike to Chimney Top.
Crisp air and peak foliage in mid-to-late October transform the landscape into a breathtaking mix of red, orange, and gold.
My husband and I hiked this trail in March and the weather was more than perfect, but the landscape was a bit blah.
Don’t get me wrong, we still loved this hike, but I want to do it again in the fall.
I bet it’s so beautiful during sunrise when the fall-colored trees are vibrant and glowing!
☃️ Winter (December–February): Winter offers a peaceful, crowd-free experience.
A light dusting of snow makes the trail and viewpoint even more scenic!
Just be cautious of snowy/icy conditions which can make the trail and Chimney Top slippery.
Dress in layers, wear proper footwear, and avoid climbing to the tippity top of Chimney Top if icy conditions are present.
How to Reach Chimney Top via North Fork Mountain Trail
To reach Chimney Rock, start at the North Fork Mountain Trailhead off Smoke Hole Road.
The trail is marked with blue blazes on the trees.
It’s an uphill climb the entire way but fairly gradual.
The last 0.1 miles will be the steepest, but we’re not there just yet!
At around the 1.8-mile mark, there will be an unmarked side trail to the right – this leads to an amazing overlook along the ridge.
This is a great spot for a short break before continuing the hike – only about 0.8 more miles until you reach Chimney Top!
The trail now leads you along a wide ridgeline.
At the 2.2-mile mark, the trail does become a bit steeper.
You will soon reach a rock cairn at the 2.5-mile mark – take a right onto the Chimney Top spur trail.
This is the short, super steep section I mentioned earlier.
It’s only about 0.1 miles long, but pretty brutal on the legs.
At the top, you’ll find the iconic sandstone pillars of Chimney Top.
You can climb to the top but those with a fear of heights might want to admire from below – you still get amazing views.
I didn’t find the short climb too intimidating, and the views from the top are absolutely epic!
If you’re backpacking in, there are several tent sites along the trail.
Be aware, there are no water sources on this stretch of the North Fork Mountain Trail, so pack accordingly.
To return to the trailhead, simply retrace your steps back down the trail.
Congrats, you did it! 🥳
🥾 Want more hiking ideas? Check out these amazing hikes nearby:
✨ Or are you planning a trip to New River Gorge National Park? Add these hikes to your itinerary:
Alternate Route: Chimney Top via Landis Trail and North Fork Mountain Trail
This route has slightly less elevation gain than the one described above, making it a bit easier, however it’s still a solid challenge for most hikers!
It’s a great alternative if the other trailhead parking lot is full.
The distance is nearly identical, and both routes lead you to the same incredible views at Chimney Top.
Chimney Top via Landis and North Fork Mountain Trails (stats + map)
Starting Point: Landis Trail Trailhead
Length: 5 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,700 feet
Difficulty: Challenging
Hiking Time: 3 to 3.5 hours
Route Type: Out-and-back
Pet-friendly? Yes, must be on leash
Hike Features: Incredible views at Chimney Top, unique rock formations
Trail Map:
Chimney Top Hiking Tips + Packing List
Chimney Top Hiking Tips
1. Start Early: Beat the crowds and enjoy cooler temperatures by beginning your hike in the morning, especially in peak season.
2. Check the Weather: Always check the weather forecast before heading out on a hike – Chimney Top can be dangerous in inclement weather.
3. Wear the Proper Footwear: The trail is steep in some sections and rocky – comfortable hiking shoes or boots with good traction would be beneficial.
4. Watch for Bears: Black bears live in Monongahela National Forest – follow these guidelines to avoid any negative interactions with a black bear.
5. Be Careful Near Cliffs: There are several viewpoints along the trail, including Chimney Top, with steep drop-offs. Please use caution and keep kids and pets away from the cliff edges.
6. 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 Monongahela National Forest.
Hiking Chimney Top Packing List
- Lightweight day pack
- Hiking boots or shoes
- Water bottles or hydration bladder
- Water filtration and treatment system (there are no water sources on this section of the North Fork Mountain Trail)
- Layers of clothing (what you wear depends on the weather forecast and conditions along the trail – always bring extra layers just in case)
- Moisture-wicking base layer (can be tank top, short sleeve, or long sleeve)
- Mid-layer (lightweight or midweight down jacket / fleece pullover)
- Windbreaker / Rain jacket
- Gloves and warm beanie
- Extra socks (midweight, merino wool socks)
- Buff (protects your face and neck against the sun and wind)
- Headlamps (with extra batteries)
- Hiking poles (optional)
- Microspikes (may or may not be needed but beneficial if ice/snow is present anywhere on the trail – always research the current trail conditions before heading out)
- Sun protection
- Sunscreen
- Hat
- Sun-protective clothing
- Lip balm with SPF
- Sunglasses
- Bug repellent and/or mosquito head net
- Waste disposal supplies (toilet paper, pee cloth, Ziploc bag – pack it out!!)
- Phone with a reliable power bank and charger
- Emergency supplies
- GPS Satellite Communicator
- Navigation System (physical map, compass, handheld GPS device, downloaded offline map on phone)
- Plenty of water (at least 1 to 2 liters for this hike depending on conditions)
- Plenty of snacks (my favorite hiking snacks are peanut butter sandwiches, sour patch kids, peanut butter pretzel bites, salty chips, energy bars, and trail mix)
- First-aid kit (a basic kit with bandages, antiseptic wipes, blister care, tweezers, and medications, such as Ibuprofen, Antacids, Antihistamine, prescriptions)
- Rain gear (important to keep dry – pack a light rain jacket or poncho)
- Emergency shelter (emergency bivy)
- Fire (matches, a lighter, or fire starter for warmth or signaling in emergencies)
- Multi-tool or knife
Places to Stay Near Chimney Top West Virginia
Lodging Near Chimney Top
There’s no shortage of great places to stay in and around Cabins, West Virginia, which is where Chimney Top is located.
Options include hotels, resort lodges, romantic cabins for two, and spacious rentals perfect for families.
I’ve rounded up a few top-rated accommodations based on reviews to help you plan your stay.
While we haven’t had the chance to stay at these ourselves, they all seem like amazing options for a mountain getaway.
Honestly, my husband and I are already dreaming about our next visit – this time, we’re hoping to stay in a cozy little cabin.
I’m all about exciting adventures on the trail, but nothing beats ending the day in a cozy cabin. 😌
Cabins at Cabins, West Virginia
- River’s Edge Cabin (Elkins)
- Riverfront Mountain Getaway (Elkins)
- Cabin in the Wildwoods (Franklin)
- Mountain Getaway (Riverton)
- Cabin in the Woods (Riverton)
- Nature’s Paradise (Upper Tract)
- The Renovated Barn (Seneca Rocks)
Resorts and Hotels Near Cabins, West Virginia
- Yokum Vacationland (Seneca Rocks)
- Smoke Hole Resort (Cabins)
- North Fork Mountain Inn (Petersburg)
- Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites (Elkins)
- Hampton Inn (Elkins)
- The Hermitage Inn and Taphouse (Petersburg)
Campgrounds Near Chimney Top
If you’re craving a more outdoorsy experience, consider staying at one of the local campgrounds!
I’ll be honest, I love being out in nature, but sleeping in a tent isn’t exactly my favorite thing.
That said, my husband and I still camp from time to time, because even if it’s not the most comfortable night’s sleep, it almost always turns into a memorable adventure.
- Seneca Shadows Campground (Senaca Rocks)
- Big Bend Campground (Petersburg)
- Spruce Knob Lake Campground (Riverton)
Conclusion
My husband and I loved this hike so much! 🫶
It’s by far one of our favorite hikes in West Virginia.
It’s a bit challenging but doable for most casual hikers, and we even saw families with children hiking this trail!
Just be cautious at Chimney Top as there are steep drop-offs.
Have fun and stay safe! 🙏
If this guide inspires you to hike the North Fork Mountain Trail to Chimney Top, I’d love to hear about your adventure.
Leave a comment and share your experience!
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