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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 10 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by JJ on 3/2/2012 My family and I have hiked several trails in the Smokies, and this one is our favorite so far. When we reached the top, the trail up to the pinnacle was closed. We were a little disappointed because it seemed a little anticlimactic to work so hard and not be able to climb to the top. So, my 7 and 10 year old sons along with my husband and I climbed the rock face. It was an awesome adventure for all of us!! 
Reviewed by SS on 2/4/2012 This has been posted before, but should be near the top of the comments: dogs are NOT ALLOWED on this or any other trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. There are two exceptions: dogs on leash can go on the Gatlinburg "Two Mile" trail between headquarters and the town of Gatlinburg, TN and the (also about 2 mile) Oconaluftee River Trail between the Oconaluftee Visitor Center and town of Cherokee, NC. Signs at all other trailheads remind people of the no-dogs-allowed rule, and violators face an $80 fine. Check out area National Forests for good hikes with dogs, instead.
Reviewed by CHL on 2/2/2012 Went on this hike for the first time last year on 12-14-2011. It is now one of my favorites. The view at the top is well worth the horrible trek (well for 3 out of shape 21 year olds). You think you hit a flat part, but no, you just keep going up. The side path was closed off so you are supposed to climb up the rock. We were a little hesistant on that, so we went up the side. I know we shouldn't but we didn't want to make it to the top just to miss out. It didn't help we had a friend that was afraid of heights and talked us out of it ha. All in all on of my favorites. Can't wait to go back this summer.
Reviewed by Derek on 9/26/2011 This is one of the best hikes I have been on. I went with one of my friends yesterday. It took about 3 hours It was a pretty steep climb but definately worth it. The views from the top were beautiful. The climb up the rocks looks really hard but if you take your time you will be fine and its well worth it! I would recommend this for anyone!
Reviewed by Joseph on 8/12/2011 I recommend bringing at least two 20-oz. bottles of water per hiker, and get an early start, because the trailhead was packed as we were leaving. The first half-mile or so is a piece of cake, featuring several bridges across a stone-filled stream. Then the trail turns mostly to a stone run and rises steeply. After the midway point, the trail turns to a steady dirt ascent for the next half-mile, then up and down pretty evenly to the summit. The rock scramble at the top is not for the faint of heart, as it is very exposed. My sister and I got 2/3 of the way up. Nevertheless, the view was awesome. The bypass was closed for repairs, unfortunately.
Reviewed by Curtis on 6/4/2011 My family hiked this yesterday. It is definitely one of my favorites. My wife swore she would never do it again. But, hey, my two daughters (seven and nine years old) did it without even breathing hard. Of course, they did not climb the last thirty feet to the top of the rock. We had a blast!
Reviewed by Will on 10/17/2010 Awesome trail with plenty of scenery. A little difficult but fun. One of my favorite trails!
Reviewed by BC on 8/10/2010 Lots of other hikers making the trip, but very few went all the way to the top. The last 20 feet was straight up stopping most hikers, but once you got up to the top the view was great. very clear day with a great 360 degree view. Didn't try to go to the other top. Some stupid hiker took a poop up top on the rock that smelled real bad if you got down wind from it. 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 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
