Chimney Tops Trail in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park

The Chimney Tops Trail
Chimney Tops Mountain

A view from one of three pull-offs on the west side of Highway 321. Cherokee Indian lore says the two uppermost peaks of the Chimney's are the base of a pair of deer antlers...lost by the deer hiding behind the mountain. Others say that the actual open shafts in the peaks resemble the chimneys of settler's fireplaces.

The trailhead and picnic area may be found in the midst of a cove hardwood forest with the Little Pigeon River running nearby.

Chimney Tops Trail Photos

Purchased in the early 1900's by the Champion Fibre Company for logging, this vast piece of land with it's cove hardwood and spruce forests was saved by the National Park Service. Eastern Hemlocks, Yellow Buckeyes and Fraser Magnolias are among some of the many species of trees known to this area.

Chimney Tops Trail Photos

The Little Pigeon River, Sugarland Mountain, foot bridges, wildlife and wildflowers appear along this scenic trail. During the spring and summer, rhododendron, violets, foamflowers bee-balm and jewel weed are just a fraction of the varieties of flowers produced.

Chimney Tops Trail Photos

Imagine hiking through hardwood forests, climbing steep pinnacles and boulders, crossing streams and hearing nothing but nature before reaching spectacular scenery and views that last forever! Come, visit and stay awhile in the most popular national park in the country!