Although only two miles in length, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park trail to Chimney Tops requires strength and caution. Nevertheless, due to Chimney Tops to the excellent views available from this trail, as well as abundant wildflowers, streams and large trees, many feel a hike up to "the chimneys" is well worth both effort and risk. Chimney Tops trail has become one of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park's most popular trails. However, it is a very strenuous hike for a four mile round trip. There will be a lot of people for this trail.

Two miles into the hike, you will be able to see the chimneys themselves. Care should be taken as you follow the path to the right that leads to the top. Here you can see Mount Le Conte to the east, Mount Mingus to the south, and to the west, a steep wooded side of Sugarland Mountain. Injuries have occurred in this area, as there is a hole large enough to fall into.

Despite the obvious risks, even the upper end of Chimney Tops trail is worn smooth in places by the Chimney Tops hikers willing to risk life and limb to experience "the chimneys".

Good write up about this hike with some pictures CLICK HERE

Rating of the hike CLICK HERE

Map of the trail http://files.meetup.c...

To reach the Chimney Tops trailhead from Gatlinburg Tennessee, take Newfound Gap road into the park Newfound Gap road is the only road which completely traverses the Great Smoky Mountain National park, linking Cherokee NC to Gatlinburg TN. From the Sugarlands Visitor Center, continue 6.7 miles until you reach the parking lot at the Chimney Tops trailhead. The parking lot and trailhead is located between the lower tunnel and "the loop" on Newfound Gap road. The picnic parking lot IS NOT the trailhead