About
Length (round trip)8.6 mi
ShapeOut-and-Back
DifficultyHard
Elevation gain1,300 ft up
Typical time2 hr 45 min
TrailheadTownsend Wye
SurfaceRidge path, dry and rocky
Best seasonApril to June for wildflowers, mid-October for fall colour. High elevations are cold and icy from November to March.
DogsNot allowed
AccessibilityTrail steadily climbs on a sometimes-narrow path with some tree roots and fallen logs.
What you'll see 🌄 Big views🌼 Wildflowers

Overview Hike 5.6 miles (9 km) roundtrip on a trail in Great Smoky Mountains National Park that climbs steadily through mixed hardwood forest to a ridgetop where American chestnut trees were once abundant. The vast majority of American chestnut trees succumbed to an imported fungus by the 1950s, but fall leaf color and plentiful spring wildflowers remain a draw on this serene trail. Length 5.6 miles (9 km) roundtrip Turnaround location is not designated but noticeable by views to the left and a slight clearing. Trail continues roughly 1.5 additional miles (2.4 km) to the intersection with Schoolhouse Gap Trail. Plan ahead and bring a map. Parking & Trailhead Park at the Townsend Wye intersection of Little River Road and Townsend Entrance Road. Chestnut Top Trailhead is on the opposite side of the road from the parking lot. Don't forget your parking tag . Nearest Restroom Townsend Visitor Center Alternate Hikes Lynn Camp Prong Cascades : 1.4 miles (2.3 km) roundtrip Rich Mountain Loop Trail: 8.5 miles (13.7 km) roundtrip

Tips
The south-facing slope warms early, so this is one of the first trails to bloom each spring - often mid-March. The first mile has the best of it.
Other Hikers
No one has logged this trail yet.
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