The Chimney Tops are quartzite and slate rock formations that rise sharply from the north ridge of Sugarland Mountain. These adjacent cones are among the only bare rock summits in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Native Cherokee called them Duniskwalguni, meaning 'forked antlers'. The trail to Chimney Tops gains 1300' in just two miles and requires a precarious scramble up a vertical rock face to reach the summit.

The Chimney Tops - one of the few bare rock summits on the Smokies offering terrific views

The trail starts out in a beautiful forest before quickly beginning its steep climb

The trail crosses the river with the aid of a long wood bridge

Trees are gigantic along the initial stretch of the Chimney Tops trail

The base of the Chimney Tops - scrambling over this multi-tiered rock ledge is the official route to the summit

Several bridges aid hikers across creeks and outlet streams

Rhododendron blooms along the Chimney Tops Trail

Looking down the sides of the Chimney Rock summit - scramble with care

The Cherokee named the Chimney Tops 'Duniskwalgunyi' meaning forked antler - referring to their likeness to deer antlers

Views are outstanding from the Chimney Tops summit