Chimney Tops
Overview
This is a moderate out and back trail to Chimney Tops in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
This trail goes by Trickling Falls and Chimney Tops Trailhead Parking.
Getting Started
The parking area and trailhead for the Chimney Tops is located on Newfound Gap Road, 6.7 miles south of the Sugarlands Visitor Center. The 2.0 mile trail is a very popular hike and the dual peak “chimneys” on top of the mountain are a famous landmark for good reason. It is moderately steep gaining 1,350 ft. in elevation.
The trail begins by crossing a footbridge over Walker Camp Prong. Almost immediately the trail crosses Road Prong on another bridge. Walker Camp and Road Prong come together here to form the West Prong of the Little Pigeon River which flows through Gatlinburg, Tennessee. After the 2nd bridge the trail turns south and heads up the side of a ridge. At 0.2 miles the trail crosses Road Prong again. It is here that fly fishermen can access the creek to catch the native Brook Trout. Fishing upstream, Road Prong is a beautiful and classic Brook Trout stream with pool after picturesque pool.
Staying on the trail, high above Road Prong, the trail will again cross the prong at 0.7 miles in a cove called Beech Flats. Just past this bridge, Road Prong Trail turns off to the left and follows Road Prong up to the Appalachian Trail at Indian Gap on Clingmans Dome Road.
The Chimney Tops trail, stays to the right, and begins a long steady and steep climb up Sugarland Mountain reaching the top of the Chimneys at 2.0 miles. Because of the recent fire, the trail is currently closed before reaching the summit. However there is a nice new lookout area with views of the valley below.
Sights to See
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