Should You Hike the Popular Chimney Tops Trail – Smoky Mountains?
Chimney Tops Trail, Smoky Mountains, is one of the most popular hiking trails in the park, and for good reason! It’s got a lot going for it. But it may not be for you…
Below, you’ll find some reasons why you might want to skip this hike…as well as some really good reasons to put on your boots and start walking. Then you can make your own decision about this well-known trail.
Published on September 30, 2024
Four Reasons You Shouldn’t Hike Chimney Tops Trail
We’ll begin with four reasons why Chimney Tops might not be the trail for you.
Reason #1 – It’s Usually Crowded
While I enjoy meeting and chatting with other hikers, I begin to get a little agitated when the trail becomes crowded. My preference is to walk quietly and listen to the sounds around me – gurgling creeks, songbirds, the wind rustling through the leaves.
If that describes you, too, you might find this hike a bit challenging. This is a very popular hike. You will most likely have a lot of company on the trail.
Pro Tip
- If you want to avoid the crowds, get to the trailhead as early in the morning as possible. The later in the day, the more crowded the trail becomes. Plus, it will be easier to snag a parking spot.
- Always practice good trail etiquette, especially on crowded trails…
- Avoid loud talking or yelling.
- If you must listen to music while you’re hiking, please use earbuds.
- Be polite. Yield to other hikers on the trail.
Reason #2 – Chimney Tops is Steep!
Climbing Chimney Tops Trail (the operative word here is “climbing“) is not for the faint of heart. Alltrails app rates this hike as “Hard” due to 1,286′ of elevation gain. (That’s a fancy way of saying the trail is more than a bit steep.)
One helpful feature of the trail is the stairs located all along the hike. They make the climb a little easier, but it still feels like walking the stairs to the top of the Statue of Liberty. The good news is that while the first half of the hike is all uphill, the second half is all downhill!
Pro Tip
- Try to avoid hiking above your level of ability. People sometimes find themselves in trouble when they tackle a trail they are no match for. (I’ve done that myself.) Be aware of and pay attention to your limitations.
- When hiking up an incline, take shorter steps. Some hikers find leaning forward a bit also helps.
Reason #3 – The Summit is Closed
In November 2016, wildfires devastated parts of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Over 17,000 acres burned, including areas of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, and several people were killed in the blaze. (We were actually in Gatlinburg when the fire began.)
One of the largest areas impacted by the fires was the Chimney Tops area, where over 10,000 acres burned.
Today, the last 0.25 miles of the Chimney Tops Trail are still closed due to hazardous conditions, including erosion and the danger of dead trees falling. For your safety, a large gate blocks the trail to the summit. That’s the bad news.
The good news is that even though you can’t summit Chimney Tops, the views are still gorgeous and well worth the hike.
Pro Tip
- I’m sorry to sound “preachy,” but please pay attention to warning signs on hiking trails. They are there to keep you safe, and you ignore them at your own peril.
Reason #4 – Risky Hiking Conditions
As is true with any hike, weather has a huge impact on your hiking experience. Rain, wind, ice, and snow are not only nuisances but can also be hazards. (I’m speaking from experience, having almost broken my ankle earlier this year.) Due to its elevation, Chimney Tops is susceptible to ice in the winter. And, of course, it goes without saying that hiking during lightning is a terrible idea!
Pro Tip
- Always check the weather conditions before starting out on a hike.
- You can check with a park ranger at one of the park’s visitor centers about trail conditions, especially during the winter.
Four Reasons You Should Hike Chimney Tops Trail
If none of the “negatives” mentioned above are “dealbreakers”, then you should hike Chimney Tops Trail. There are plenty of good reasons to do so – here are a few of them.
Reason #1 – Chimney Tops Trail is Short
The Chimney Tops Trail may be steep, but it is also short. It is only 1.8 miles to the top and another 1.8 miles back down to the bottom. The hike took us 3-4 hours, but we stopped a lot to take photos—and we’re in our 60s!
We suggest starting early in the day. You’ll probably finish before noon, just in time for a picnic lunch in the Chimneys Picnic Area, just a short drive from the Chimney Tops parking area. Then you’ll have the rest of the day to explore!
Pro Tip
- What’s the rush? Take your time on this hike. Take water breaks, stop for photo opps, and enjoy the views and the flowers along the way. The goal is to enjoy the experience, not utterly exhaust yourself.
- As mentioned above, we suggest stopping at Chimney Tops Picnic Area, just over 3 miles from the Chimney Tops Trailhead and Parking Area. It’s a BIG, shady area complete with restrooms and picnic tables. Plus, Cove Hardwood Nature Trail is located in the picnic area as well.
Reason #2 – The Wildflowers Along the Trail
During the warm weather months, this trail is covered with wildflowers. You’ll see plenty of bee balm, Turk’s Cap, daisies, wild hydrangeas, and much more.
There’s also poison ivy, so it’s a good idea to stay on the trail!
Reason #3 – The View from the Top
This is why you walked all this way, right? The views from the top are spectacular!
At about 1.8 miles, the trail opens up to a small viewing platform, seen below. It’s not very large, so you might have to wait your turn to step onto it. It’s worth waiting for.
The best views, however, are just a few steps farther down the trail, past the viewing platform. This section of the hike once led to the summit of Chimney Tops but now ends at the gate mentioned earlier.
About halfway between the viewing platform and the gate, look off to your right for an amazing view of Chimney Tops peak. Be sure you have your camera with you – there are some wonderful photo opps here!
Reason #4 – You’ll Be Sorry if You Don’t
Chimney Tops is one of the best-known and most-hiked trails in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It’s one of those adventures that, when missed, leaves you saying, “I wish we had done that…”
Instead, you’ll want to say, “That was fun! I’m so glad we did that!” You’ll want to tell your friends and family about it. And you’ll be proud of yourself for hiking this hard trail.
Having said that, don’t let FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) cause you to try hiking this trail if you think it may be too much for you. Be realistic about your own abilities.
Where is Chimney Tops Trail?
The Chimney Tops trailhead is 9.6 miles from Gatlinburg, TN, on Highway 441 (also known as Newfound Gap Road). It is between the Chimneys Picnic Area #1 and the Alum Cave Trail trailhead.
Frequently Asked Questions…
- What should I wear on this hike?
- Good, closed-toe shoes or preferably hiking boots. Sandals are not appropriate for this hike.
- Hiking socks
- Loose, comfortable clothing
- A hat to protect you from the sun
- Weather-appropriate gear – rain jacket, winter jacket
- Dressing in layers is always a good idea
- What should I bring with me on this hike?
- Water
- Snacks – Fruit; Energy bars
- Camera – There are some great photos to be taken at Chimney Tops
- Binoculars would be fun if you have a small pair
- Walking Poles
- A small backpack to hold your water, snacks, and camera
- Is this trail appropriate for children? Older children (who constantly amaze me with their energy) can probably handle this hike. However, this is NOT a hike for younger kids. You are the best judge of what your kids can handle.
- My dog loves to hike! Can I bring him with me? Sorry, dogs are only allowed on two trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park – Oconoluftee River Trail and Gatlinburg Trail.
- When is the best time to hike Chimney Tops Trail? We always suggest hiking in the spring or fall. The weather is cooler than summer and warmer than winter, and the crowds are smaller. Plus, you’ll be able to enjoy spring flowers or fall colors.
IMHO – In My Humble Opinion…
Should You Hike the Popular Chimney Tops Trail – Smoky Mountains?
The short answer is…if you can, you should! It’s a tough hike, but the views at the top are worth it. And the flowers along the trail are, too!
But…
If the conditions are “iffy”, or you think it might be above your physical capabilities, choose to be safe! There’s no shame in that – only wisdom. Hiking should be fun, not painful or grueling. There are plenty of trails – choose the ones that you’ll enjoy!
Happy Hiking!
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