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All 33 Great Smoky Mountains National Park Attractions »

Chimney Tops

Great Smoky Mountains National Park, TN
4.5 of 5 stars 25 Reviews
Type: Geologic Formations, Hiking Trails
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25 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
    19
    5
    0
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    1
Date Rating
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Senior Contributor
21 reviews 21 reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
9 helpful votes 9 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 1 May 2012

Just as the name implies, it looks like chimney tops and what a sight, magnificent. Make the trip , get the photos! More

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Mount Juliet, Tennessee
Top Contributor
122 reviews 122 reviews
Reviews in 35 cities Reviews in 35 cities
76 helpful votes 76 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 29 April 2012

Just as you are starting off on the trail it tells you that you must be willing to climb up rocks and that when you get to the top climbing those rocks will be worth it. Might be if its a clear day. My main interest was what the trail held steps rocks roots and a stream with a bridge.... More

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Ohio
Senior Contributor
32 reviews 32 reviews
Reviews in 15 cities Reviews in 15 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 23 April 2012

We were really nervous about trying this but we paced ourselves and when it came to the end we went around the right side and went clear to the top. It was great to feel like we were on the top of the world. Take lots of water and a snack to enjoy when you get there. Hiking boots a... More

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Johnson City
2 reviews
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 14 April 2012

This was a very good hike. It was a bit crowded in October, but was challenging. The drawback was the trail around the rocks to the top was closed for some trail maintenance. We were not interested in rock climbing so we took a snack break at the base of the summit and observed many hikers ignoring the fact the... More

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Anniston, Alabama
Senior Contributor
22 reviews 22 reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
6 helpful votes 6 helpful votes
1 of 5 stars Reviewed 9 April 2012

If you're in good shape and enjoy a challenge, this trail is for you. If you've just recently discovered your love of hiking, and are trying to get back in shape this trail can kill you. And I'm not kidding. Very steep, very rugged, and at the top very dangerous. You better not only love hiking but also love rock... More

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Florida
Senior Reviewer
8 reviews 8 reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 13 March 2012
1
person found this review helpful

We had no idea what we were getting into, but are so glad we did this! The hike is not for the faint of heart. I would suggest for those who are not very athletic to take their time. The hike is quite steep and at the end rock climbing skills come in handy! We took our nieces 6 &... More

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Knoxville, Tennessee
Top Contributor
122 reviews 122 reviews
Reviews in 16 cities Reviews in 16 cities
48 helpful votes 48 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 6 February 2012
1
person found this review helpful

Not a particularly long or strenuous hike, but difficult in the winter if the trail is covered with hard packed snow/ice. Beautiful view from the top. More

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Charlottesville, Virginia
Senior Reviewer
8 reviews 8 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
10 helpful votes 10 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 26 November 2011
3
people found this review helpful

Ten adults and twelve children - ages seven to seventeen - enjoyed a beautiful, post-turkey, Black Friday trip to the summit. The first mile, which criss-crosses the stream at the bottom before heading up, goes pretty quickly. The second mile, which is much more strenuous, does not. The reward for those who persevere, though, is worth it. The last 200... More

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Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom
1 review
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 4 November 2011
1
person found this review helpful

I was looking for a short run, and the park maps doesn't have contours. 4 miles out and back to "Chimney tops" caught my eye. The trail is steep and hard to keep running, somewhat rooty and slippery in places. The high point is the high point. I was there in sunshine and fall color, and it was magic. But... More

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Alexandria, Kentucky
Senior Reviewer
8 reviews 8 reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
24 helpful votes 24 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 27 October 2011
2
people found this review helpful

My whole family went up. We packed lunches and make sure you bring extra clothes. It never fails one of the kids falls into the water. The kids played on the rocks for hours. We got to see a bear too. More

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