Chimney Tops Trail - Great Smoky Mountains National Park

1700-ft elevation increase in 2 miles at 84 percent humidity and 83 degrees made this trek feel like work. The scenery along this trail is amongst the most beautiful we have witnessed in the Smoky Mountains yet. Lush vegetation and flowing water all around create a mystical ambiance as you hike up this trail jutted with rock and root. You cannot hike on two legs to the summit of the Chimney Tops themselves (or I should say I wouldn't recommend trying). It is a climb to the top that is steep with a very long hard fall for those too reckless or don't respect the mountain. But stay focused and be conscientious of what you are doing and it is a manageable climb up (I suggest keeping your gear light for this final stretch).

No worries if heights is not your thing; the view from the base of the Chimney Tops is beautiful as well, providing near panoramic view of the interior of the park. The only view blocked is by the Chimney Tops themselves and to gain the full 360 you must go up – which I did not do. I climbed about three-quarters of the way up and the rains set in. I stopped to consider the risks and as I felt the rock getting wet and slick and watched the Search and Rescue helicopter make its second pass with a stretcher tethered to it I called a rain-delay and am postponing the summit to another day.

All in all, my wife and I both loved this trail. The rain was a blessing in that it cooled us down and made the 2 mile hike back to the trail head more physically bearable. We will be back and will make the journey again.

Lisa hiking up...  The trail gets steeper in the second mile.

View from the base of the Chimney Tops

Beautiful creeks all along the trail.

Thick vegetation all along the trail