Chimney Tops
The twin-spired rock peak is one of the park’s most recognizable mountains. A steep trail leads to an overlook in front of the peak.
Chimney Tops is named for two quartzite spires that resemble chimneys. The trail starts from the roadside at Newfound Gap Road. The round trip is about 5.3 km with a climb of about 400 meters, making it one of the steepest short trails in the park. After the 2016 wildfire, climbing the rock section near the summit was permanently banned. The trail now ends at a newly built overlook, where you can see the spires up close and the forest regrowing after the fire. The Chimney Tops Overlook beside the road also offers distant views of the twin peaks. Parking in the park for more than 15 minutes requires a parking permit (about US$5 per day).
Opening hours
Open year-round
Nearby sights
- Alum Cave Trail
- Mount Le Conte
- Grotto Falls
- Newfound Gap
- Kuwohi (Clingmans Dome)
- Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail
- Sugarlands Visitor Center
- Anakeesta