Great Smoky Mountains National Park · North Carolina, Tennessee

Chimney Tops Trail

2.0 mi of trail, end to end · Hike to Chimney Tops Overlook: 3.5 mi round trip in the Service's write-up · about 1,400 ft of climbing · 3,397 ft–4,749 ft · native surface · trail class Developed

3,848 ft 4,749 ft · 1.1 mi high 4,749 ft

Trailhead Chimney Tops Trail Trailhead 3,438 ft Drive there

Hike to Chimney Tops Overlook 3.5 mi round trip · the Park Service's write-up

no dogs · entrance fee applies

Start Expect crowds and full parking at Chimney Tops Trailhead—consider a shuttle

An Appalachian mountain view on a sunny day. Trees and other vegetation in the foreground.
Hike 3.5 miles (5.6 km) roundtrip from Chimney Tops Trailhead on Newfound Gap Road. Photo: Kenzie Connor Photo

Overview

Expect extreme crowding and limited parking—consider a shuttle

Hike 3.5 miles (5.6 km) roundtrip with steep inclines, a few early bridge crossings, and stone stairs that deliver hikers to a picturesque view in Great Smoky Mountains National Park .

In November 2016, this area experienced an unprecedented wildfire which changed the landscape, making it vulnerable to erosion and other hazards. Do not enter the closed area and do not put yourself at risk. Please read the closed sign and do not go past the gate.

To preserve habitat and for the safety of all visitors, please adhere to all trail closures.

Length

3.5 miles (5.6 km) roundtrip

Parking & Trailhead

Please consider a shuttle or park at the Chimney Tops Trailhead on Newfound Gap Road (US 441), roughly 7 miles (11.3 km) from Sugarlands Visitor Center and 22 miles (35.4 km) from Oconaluftee Visitor Center. Don't forget your parking tag .

Alternative Hikes

West Prong: 5.4 miles (8.7 km) roundtrip

Cove Hardwood Nature Trail : 0.75 miles (1.2 km) roundtrip

Nearest Restroom

Sugarlands Visitor Center

Pets The Gatlinburg Trail and Oconaluftee River Trail are the two park trails where pets are permitted. Pets are also allowed in picnic areas, in campgrounds, and on roads.

Accessibility Trail is steep with stairs and other trail obstacles like roots and rocks.

This hike on nps.gov

On the parks map

All 244 trails in Great Smoky Mountains National ParkFind a trailOn the parks mapPark on nps.gov

About this trail's facts

The lines are the National Park Service's public trails layer, the trailheads and the waterfalls, views, peaks and historic places along them the Service's public points of interest, read 2026-10-16 and simplified for the map; the length is the line's, end to end. The write-ups are the Service's own "things to do" text, unedited. Heights come from USGS 3DEP through Terrain Tiles on AWS (Mapzen/Tilezen), read along each line and rounded; a short trail on steep ground can be off by a few tens of feet. Closures change: check the park's own site before you go.