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 Reporter |
Summary: You can see the twin peaks as you wind along Newfound Gap Road but you can't appreciate them as much until you reach the top and see them again on the drive home. Your trek starts mildly as you cross a few bridges over some scenic streams and then ascend over 700 ft a mile until you reach the top. You and everyone who makes it to the top will say the same thing, " wow the view is well worth the climb". At first appearance you feel you will have to climb the rocks that go straight up to get the views you came after but you can spot a trail to the right, follow it around for more spectacular views. Climbing the pinnacle is very dangerous and extreme caution should be used if you choose to do so. This rock outcrop is part of the Anakeesta Formation also found at Charlies Bunion, which is at least 600 million years old. Trailhead: I-40 Exit 407 follow Hwy 66 South 8 miles to 441 South to Gatlinburg; 441 South on Newfound Gap Road about 6.5 miles past the Sugarland Visitors Center. There is a small parking lot on the right side of the road with trailhead sign. (Don't confuse the Chimney Tops Picnic Area for the trailhead) (Lat:35.63044 Lon:-83.47829) Trail Guides for Chimney Tops Trail: Day Hikes in GSMNP by Johnny Molloy () Best Seasons: Year-Round User Groups: Hikers, Dogs, Ranger Contact: GSMNP Headquarters 865-436-0120 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Bobby Trotter, who has posted 74 other hikes on this site Trail Reviews Page 1 of 7 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by KB on 6/25/2008 This one is hard, but once you make it to the top it is worth it. I enjoyed it very much and I will probably hike it again this year. It was unfortunately cloudy on the day I went up there, but even still, it is a good work-out. 
Reviewed by ALS on 6/20/2008 I love this hike. In College a friend and I speed hiked this thing several times. We went mainly for the view and tried to get there before everyone else or after everyone left. If you are willing to try an early morning hike this one is great for a small breakfast and devotional at the top. This year three of my four kids are able to do this one. I am going to hike it three times next week (to spend some one-on-one daddy time). I am pumped about the hike. Take your time and enjoy.
Reviewed by MP on 5/6/2008 Beautiful hike, glorious mountain streams, wildflowers, birds. I must say, though, contrary to JB's opinion, I considered it a very strenuous hike. I am accustomed to hiking 7-15 miles without problem, but this one winded me several times (okay, so maybe even MORE than several). Not so my 24 year old daughter, who scrambled up to the top like a mountain goat:) We arrived at the top fully intent on reaching the summit. However, at one point my courage and my daughter's confidence in my newly-acquired rock climbing skills waned, so we called it quits about two-thirds of the way up the rocks to the top, and enjoyed a light lunch gazing down at the lovely clouds against a serene blue sky. Next time, I'll make it all the way up. What a privil
Reviewed by Renee B on 5/4/2008 I've hiked Chimney Tops about 5 times. My fiance and I go every spring/summer. In response to JB a couple comments down....this hike is somewhat strenuous. Any normal person is going to have to take a break here and there. We usually stop and take pictures and drink some water. The entire trail is pretty much uphill. I don't know where the others went who said it wasn't. A seriously obese person probably couldn't hike the entire trail. Enough of that. It's very awesome for people who enjoy hiking. We hike to the top and usually have a snack, then come back down to the bottom to swim under the bridge if the weather is warm enough. It's 4 miles round trip so it's not a very short hike.
Reviewed by craig on 3/27/2008 Just hiked it this afternoon GREAT!!! I didn't make it to the top (SAD FACE)My 7 year old daughter and I made it about half way up the rocks at the top when dad(me)talked her into coming down. She was clumsy as a toddler and it freaked me out to she her one slip away from...She would have kept going so I guess this means we'll have to go back.
Reviewed by Matt on 3/3/2008 Great hike with unbelievable views!!! You really cant explain the view from the top. The trail itself is pretty easy unless you get caught in the snow. Once you get to the top be advised that the trail to the top of the chimneys is closed so you will have to suck it up and climb the side of the rock. It is very dangerous so be careful but it is worth every bit of it once you get to the top.
Reviewed by JB on 3/1/2008 I went there based on the information provided here saying this was a dog friendly hike. The signs at the trailhead clearly state NO DOGS ON TRAIL. Since I drove an hour to get there, I took my dog anyways. This hike IS NOT STRENUOUS and isn't even steep until the rockface. Unless you are an overweight, smoker, senior citizen, this is nothing more than a stroll. I am NOT in good shape, I don't exercise, and I don't have a physical job, but this "hike" didn't even wind me once. GREAT VIEW though. Go for the view, not for the hike, because it isn't one.
Reviewed by Brad on 2/29/2008 Did this w/my 17 year old son, and his 15 year old cousin. Much fun, as the warning says: strenuous (at least to me). Got to top, and they wanted to clamber up the exposed face- which they did. I froze, fear of exposed heights- couldn't do it, and pleaded w/them PLEASE BE CAREFUL, I CAN"T DO THIS. Worked out fine, great pictures/memories. Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: Tennessee Hiking, Tennessee Trails, Tennessee Hikes, Sevier County Hiking, Sevier County Trails, Sevier County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||