Chimney Top Trail

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Fall Colors · Spring · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

NOTE: The trail is well-marked with green circle blazes.

This is a very nice run if you're looking for a challenge and nice scenery.

From the ranger station, you immediately begin to climb switchbacks. You climb 900 ft. in 1.4 miles. At this point, you crest the mountain and descend 340 ft. in 0.6 miles. You'll come to a pretty creek. Now you'll start the second major climb on this trail. You'll climb almost 1200 ft. in 1.35 miles (approx. 17% grade); at which point you'll reach the Chimney Tops. These are large rock formations with good shade and places to rest. At this point, the "hardest" climbs of the trail are behind you. You'll proceed forward on the trail for another 3.7 miles.

The trail ends at an intersection with many of Frozen Head's trails. There is a short trail (0.5 miles one-way) up to a "lookout tower". This lookout tower provides a beautiful panoramic view of the area.

You have many choices to return to the Chimney Top Trailhead. In addition to returning on the Chimney Top Trail, you could choose the shorter Spicewood Trail, South Old Mac Trail, or North Old Mac Trail to make a loop.