A short but sweet hike that’s not to be missed in Great Smoky Mountain National Park would be the one that takes you to the Chimney Tops. Not only has this hike always been an old favorite in the park, but it also made national news a couple years ago and hasn’t been the same since.
A wildfire in 2016 changed the nearby landscape, and as a result there is now a viewing platform at the top in an attempt to protect the area from further damage.
Fire damage shortened the hike, but only slightly, to 1.75 miles to the top. This may make the hike sound easier than it is, but be prepared: the elevation gain is around 1,400’ in less than two miles!