Chimney Tops Trail Fire

The great smoky mountains wildfires were the deadliest wildfires in the eastern u s.

Chimney tops trail fire.

Of the 17 904 acres that burned 11 410 were within the great smoky mountains national park representing about 2 percent of the total park area. The popular hiking trail was closed for almost a full year due to the november 2016 wildfire. Be prepared for plenty of company on the trail. Since the great fires of 1947 which killed 16 people in maine.

23 and swelled in size overnight nov. The chimney tops 2 fire started on nov. As a result of that fire the area around the pinnacles was completely destroyed and is now considered unsafe. On october 6 2017 great smoky mountains national park reopened the chimney tops trail to a newly constructed observation point.

The trail gains 1 400 feet in 2 miles which makes for a steep climb so be sure to wear sturdy shoes and bring plenty of water. 28 due to dry conditions and hurricane speed winds. To reach the summit there is a steep rock scramble that can be slippery when. Despite the steep strenuous trail the chimney tops trail is one of the most popular hikes in the park during spring summer and fall.

In 2 reviews. One of the largest wildfires was the chimney tops 2 fire which burned more than 10 000 acres and closed the chimney tops trail. It was fully suppressed by fire crews and totaled 1 4 of an acre. The chimney tops trail is one of the most popular trails in great smoky mountains national park because of its length and spectacular views.

The trailhead lots fill up quickly throughout the year so plan to arrive early before 9am or try your luck late in the afternoon. The last time fire broke out on the chimney tops had been two weeks earlier near the trail s end. This observation point provides great views of the chimney tops pinnacles and mount leconte. The two chimney tops fires are not connected.

After the fires 31 miles on 16 trails were closed. Crews quickly dug a containment line and reported it out three days later with barely a. The first occurred november 13 16 2016. It was the second fire in the chimney tops area.

The gatlinburg fire that killed 14 people was started by two teenagers dropping lit matches onto the ground along chimney tops trail in great smoky mountain national park sources close to the. It s 2 miles to the top from the base and the trail is very doable but be ready to climb a lot of stairs and have an elevated heart rate. Not being able to go all the way to the chimney tops is a little bit of a bummer but the view at the top is still pretty cool.