Chimney Tops is a 3.3 mi trail with 1,400 ft of climbing — about 1h 50m of moving time before you stop for anything. Dogs are not allowed, and we rate it comfortable from age 10. About 55% of it is shaded, and no refill point is recorded on the route.
Underfoot & overhead steep climb
3.3 mi and 1,400 ft of climbing work out to 1h 50m of moving time — before you stop for anything. No refill is recorded on the route — you carry all of it. Informational only, not medical advice.
Get the fall refuel plan →NAISMITH · CDC · ACSM · how these numbers are worked out
In July, Great Smoky Mountains National Park runs around 87°F at the main visitor elevation. With no refill recorded on the route, everything you drink starts in your pack.
70°F · Mostly Sunny · wind 5 mph
NOAA forecast for Great Smoky Mountains National Park — not for this trailhead specificallyCherokee Orchard Road is currently closed to pedestrian traffic due to bear activity. All visitors must stay in their vehicles. Do not stop or park your vehicle in the roadway.
Live NPS alert for Great Smoky Mountains National ParkPark Headquarters Road is closed due to rehabilitation work on the Sugarlands water and wastewater systems.
Live NPS alert for Great Smoky Mountains National ParkAbout 1h 50m of moving time for 3.3 mi and 1,400 ft of climbing — that is Naismith's planning rule, so it counts walking only, with nothing for photos, lunch or the queue at the top.
Planning figures for that much moving time are 0.9–1.8 L, cool day to hot. No refill point is recorded on the route, so you carry all of it. Informational only, not medical advice.
No — Chimney Tops is closed to dogs. Our Great Smoky Mountains National Park dog guide lists the trails where they are welcome, plus boarding and the nearest 24/7 vet.
We rate it comfortable from age 10. It is not a stroller route. That rating is our own hand-check of length, footing and exposure, not an official NPS grade.
About 55% of the route is shaded, and Great Smoky Mountains National Park peaks around 87°F in its hottest month. The less shade a route has, the more of it you want behind you before midday.
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