Chestnut Top(edit)

Overview

The Chestnut Top trailhead located just inside the park boundary at the Townsend, TN entrance. This trail a footpath that is a moderate narrow trail. You will start with a 11%, 0.75 mile ascent at the trailhead. As you make the ascent you will have views of the surrounding mountains and you might even spot a section of the Foothills parkway in the distance. About 0.68 miles from the trailhead the trail makes a sharp turn to the left. Looking to your right as you make the turn offers you a view of Townsend, TN. The trail levels out for a short distance and then begins a gradual climb to the 2.8 mile distance. Along the way you will see a variety of tree species and in the spring time wildflowers.

During the spring months and into early summer you will find a wide variety of wildflowers growing along the trail. Mainly in the first half mile (½ mile). After the first half mile the trail becomes a Rhododendron thicket, which gives way to deciduous and evergreen trees.

This trail is 4.2 miles long one-way with 1,158 feet of elevation gain and terminates at the intersection with Schoolhouse Gap Trail. Chestnut Top Trail is marked for hikers only by the National Park Service, no horses (or dogs) allowed. If you continue beyond the intersection with the Schoolhouse Gap Trail the National Park Service marks the trail for both hikers and horses. The National Park Trail Map may be found here.

This trail goes by Chestnut Top Lead, Chestnut Top, and Bryant Gap.

Please remember to practice “Leave No Trace” – Take out what you take in.

Getting Started

The trailhead is located on the right hand side of the road when entering the park from Townsend, TN and is 0.65 miles from the National Park entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains or 0.9 miles for the Little Arrow Outdoor Resort. Parking is available on the opposite (left) side of East Lamar Alexander Parkway from the trailhead. This area is know as the Townsend Wye and is popular during the warm months for easy access to the Little River. Groups will often picnic and swim at the Wye on the sanding bank in the shade or in the grassy area in the sun.

Be advised there are no facilities in this area. Also be sure to follow “Leave No Trace” etiquette, this area is heavily pressured by tourist wanting to enjoy the beauty of the mountains and its rivers.

Taking Children

This is a fun hike in the woods for families. The trail travels along the mountain slopes so you might keep an eye on younger children and keep in mind that strollers will not work on this trail. There are short footpaths along the trail that do not go far. Be advised I have seen rattlesnakes on one of the side trails.