To climb o'er root and rock aloft
Through rhododendron tunnel shafts
Creation's ancient crevice seeps
Along the way to Chimney's peaks.
( R Weisser )
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited National Park in the system. It lies within a day's drive of half of the population of the United States.
The park is designated as an international biosphere preserve and contains a wide variety of flora and fauna specimens.
Of all of the mountain peaks in the park, none are more easily recognized that the Chimney Tops. The Chimneys owes their name to chimney like stone outcropping at the top of the mountain. From these rocks, you get a spectacular 360 degree view of the Tennessee side of the National Park.
The Chimney Tops Trail is one of the most popular in the park. The 4 mile round trip hike takes you on a 1500' climb to the 4730' summit. Although steep in a few places, and occasionally slippery in spots, the average family in decent shape can do the hike in about 3 hours.
Even if you're not up for a hike to the top, there are plenty of excellent vantage points for photographing the famous peaks. Be sure to use the pull-outs and always watch for traffic as this is a very congested are in the park.
To get there, take US 441 ( The Newfound Gap Road) south from the Sugarlands Visitor's Center. When you pass the Chimneys Picnic area on the right, continue south until you go through the tunnel. As soon as you get through the tunnel, the trail head is on your right.
The Chimney tops are truly a Smokies' landmark. Be sure to include a hike to the summit the next time you visit Gatlinburg Tennessee!
Photos, from top: The Chimeys in Autumn, Rock outcropping on the peak, foliage along the Chimney Tops Trail, looking from the tall Chimney to the lower one, the Chimneys in the morning!
Learn More about the Great Smoky Mountains National Park at SmokyPhotosBlog.com!
All content, including text, original art, photographs and images, is the exclusive property of Coweta Fayette Real Estate, Inc., and may not be used without the expressed written permission of ERA United Realty and Coweta Fayette Real Estate of ERA United Realty Newnan Georgia. All information is believed to be accurate but is not warranted, Copyright 2003-2009. Richard Weisser 770-827-6225.
Learn more about Coweta County and Fayette County Georgia Real Estate, and to search the entire Georgia MLS for free with no registration required visit CowetaFayetteRealEstate.com!
All content, including text, original art, photographs and images, is the exclusive property of Coweta Fayette Real Estate, Inc., and may not be used without the expressed written permission of Coweta Fayette Real Estate Better Homes and Gardens Metro Brokers, Newnan Georgia. All information is believed to be accurate but is not warranted, Copyright 2003-2009. Richard Weisser REOS, E-Pro. licensed Auctioneer. 770-827-6225.
Learn more about Coweta County and Fayette County Georgia Real Estate, and to search the entire Georgia MLS for free with no registration required. Visit CowetaFayetteRealEstate.com! Photos of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. North Georgia Photos.
Richard - These have got to be the most beautiful photos of the Smoky Mountain Chimney Tops! This is definitely a place I'd love to visit someday. :-)
Richard~
Like you I love the Great Smoky Mountain Park...for me it also is a sentimental landmark...one I have visited since I was a child, and one I ope to share with my grandchildren...THX for your amazing photos!
Richard - These photos are simply breathtaking! You are a true talent, my friend.
Those photos are insanely colorful and so striking. You should be proud to represent that beautiful area.
Simply beautiful! xxoo
Donna...
It's my favorite place in the world. I hope to get some azalea photos in early June! Thanks for taking the time to comment on my post.
JaneAnne...
I love Asheville too ... and the Pisgah National Forest! It's a beautiful area! THX
Jason...
Thanks, I have been photographing the Smokies longer than any other single subject. It's my favorite thing to do!
Awesome photos, Richard. I have not seen the Chimney tops in the Smokies...definitely a place to visit,
Richard, how beautiful, I have not been, and now it is on my list of places I would love to see! Thank you.
More great pictures of the mountains my friend.
What a wonderful opportunity to appreciate the majestic beauty and then capture it to share. Beautiful photography, incredible views!
Hi Richard, These photos are amazing and love the vibrant colors. Thanks for sharing, have a great weekend.
Richard - I love you post! What beautiful photos. I love visiting to the Smokey Mountains and this post makes me want to go back and check out some of the areas of the park I have yet to discover.
I love the Smokey Mountains! I live and sell in the Pocono Mountains of Northeastern PA but compared to the Smokies ours are just hills!
Richard, so I learned something new today looking at your fabulous photos. Chimney tops! And I gree, living near the Poconos, I know seem them as hills.
Richard I love the Great Smoky Mountains and so do the bear. I guess there are about 1,500 of them living there. We drove the Blue Ridge Parkway several years back in September and it was awesome. We camped and did some hiking and road biking. Lot's of fun and eye candy too. Thanks for sharing your pictures.