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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 9 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Lauren on 2/21/2010 Hiked this trail in the snow and ice today! It was wonderful. The snow provided a great, but very slippery, surrounding. View from the top is well worth the hard trek up. We stopped about 2 times on the way up, but it was mostly because of the ice. On the way down we pretty much just slid the whole way, no one was injured. A lot of fun!
Reviewed by Wallizs on 11/28/2009 My wife and I hiked the trail yesterday, it was a great! Round trip about 2.5 hours, and yes the view is worth the tough section of the trail. The trail turns much easier once you get past the tougher parts midway up. Watch out for the ice on the rocks and trail, it can be very slick, just ask my rear end - haha. My wife is pregnant so we didn't expect to make it to the top but we did, so don't back down once you strike out for the top, just take it slow and easy, and enjoy it....it's well worth the effort. 
Reviewed by pc on 10/18/2009 We didn't read up on the hike before going which would have prepared us more. It was awesome today climbing through the winter wonderland of snow! Due to some ice and rain, we didn't manage to climb to the top of the rocks. I agree, the views are just gorgeous and even though it is TOUGH if you are not an experienced hiker...it was worth it and hope to do it again!
Reviewed by GW on 9/26/2009 PET INFOMATION FOR GSMNP. ONLY TOW TRAILS ALLOW PETS. READ BELOW. Dogs are allowed in campgrounds, picnic areas, and along roads, but must be kept on a leash at all times. The leash must not exceed 6 feet in length. Dogs are only allowed on two short walking paths—the Gatlinburg Trail and the Oconaluftee River Trail. Pets are not allowed on any other park trails. Pet excrement must be immediately collected by the pet handler and disposed of in a trash receptacle. Pets should not be left unattended in vehicles or RVs. 
Reviewed by RonsGirl on 9/19/2009 My husband and I hiked this trail yesterday...and wow! The hike was amazing! I had to stop several times on the way up, but made a deal with myself to go back in 6months and hike it again at a better pace. Someone said it was just a rock climb and an ankle turner.. not true, that must have been someone that went through too quickly. The rests I had to take made me stop and truly enjoy the scenary. We saw chipmunks playing, the orange tailed squirrels, many birds and butterflies flitting around. Al of that accompanied by an almost constant background of streaming water. I am completely out of shape, even Clingmans Dome made me stop and take 3-4 breaks just 6 days ago, but I made myself do this hike and it is a HUGE sense of accomplishment!!
Reviewed by Rebecca on 7/26/2009 My family & I hiked this trail yesterday (7/25). All the other reviews are correct about the section prior to the summit that is difficult. We are not seasoned hikers, but managed the trail. It can be hard, but take lots of water and rest frequently. It is definitely worth it. When you get to the rocks, don't give up....keep climbing. The view is wonderful and makes the hard sections of the trail worth it! We felt that coming back down was much easier (just be careful of some slippery spots) and didn't need to stop and rest at all on the way down. Have fun & take your camera!
Reviewed by tripp on 7/18/2009 Good hike. The middle is tough but its worth it for the rock scramble at the top and the 360 view of the mountains from the summit I would recommend going on a weekday if possible. Saturday traffic through pigeon forge and gatlinburg is rough and the trail is notably more crowded on the weekends.
Reviewed by Josh on 7/11/2009 My girlfriend and I hiked this trail today, and had a great time. I will agree with many who have already posted and say, the middle section of this hike can be a bit strenuous, and the wet rock didn't make it any easier. All the same, it was a manageable challenge, and making it to the top was well, well worth it. I would certainly recommend trying it out should you be in the area. 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 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||