Trail Info

TRAIL DISTANCE: 5.4 Miles
TRAIL HEAD/ DIRECTIONS: SMOKE HOLE ROAD
TRAIL TYPE: In & Out
TRAIL GRADE:   Strenuous (4)
TRAIL PARKING: 20 Spaces ​
Dog Friendly: No
Family Friendly: No

You will love:​  Continuous ridge-line views,  a one of a kind summit (akin to free solo) with wonderous forest canopy. 
You need to know: The summit monolith should be taken with great care, mindful of footing and proximity.

What to pack

• 2 Water bottles
• Backpack
• Lunch or copious amounts of trail bars
• Bug spray
• Hiking shoes or hiking Boots

Extras

West Virginia Trail Finder

The Experience

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The Chimney top is a fun excursion into the wild and wonderful of West Virginia.  The trail is very well marked with blue diamond but word to your calves its all ascent from the trail head to the summit. the trail is single-track (in some cases very narrow with foliage creeping in) made up of small rocks and stones and compacted dirt. it will be 1.6 miles to your first overlook (on the right) , From here its a ridge-line hike scampering across larger boulders and loose materials compacted with pine needles. The area provides a nice canopy via the elder trees and pines. as you make your way up,

There are two things to know:
1.The ascent gets harder from here.
2.There are many outlooks along this route, good for catching a breather or a view to inspire you further.

The trail to the summit is found at a large cairn intersection sitting on the blue trail, at this marker turn right and head up for  0.25 miles to the summit. The trail is not easy (nor marked) its lung burner due to the direct route and loose material to hike on. trust me , its all worth it. as your reach the summit you will come to a camp site surrounded with heavy brush. To find the summit, proceed just behind the site via a small path.  what you will find is a gorgeous stone monolith erect from the mountain (hence chimney) with incredible weather worn features and crevices for exploring. Your backdrop is the valley and ridgeline below.  This spectacular area is ripe for finding a perch to eat lunch, take pictures and rejoice in the accomplishment of conquering chimney top. When you have had your fill, return the way you came , this time all descent :)

HIKE ON!