Chimney Tops: Steep, Rocky, Worth It

Trailhead on Newfound Gap Road, seven miles from Gatlinburg. 3.6 miles round trip, 1,400 feet of gain. That gain is packed into the second half, and the last stretch involves scrambling over rock with your hands. Wear real shoes.

The first mile follows Road Prong creek through old-growth forest — huge tulip poplars, hemlocks dripping, log bridges slick with moss. It's flat enough to lull you. Then the trail forks and starts climbing hard. The ridge narrows, the trees shrink to stunted spruce, and suddenly you're on the Chimney Tops — twin peaks of exposed rock sticking up above the canopy.

360-degree view. Ridge after ridge fading to blue, morning mist pooling in the valleys. Mount LeConte to the east, Clingmans Dome to the southwest on clear days.

Spring for wildflowers, fall for color. Bring water and a layer. No entrance fee.