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GSMNP Chestnut Top Trail




The Basics:
Event Type:Hike
Event Location: Townsend, TN   Hike: GSMNP Chestnut Top Trail  National Weather Service Forecast
Date(s) & Time:Fri, Jun 19 2026  9:00 am >> Fri, Jun 19 2026 2:30 pm
Registration Opens: Thu, Jan 15 2026 7:15 pm
Registration Cut Off: Tue, Jun 16 2026 6:00 pm
Event Duration:5 Hours 30 Minutes
Difficulty Rating:D4: Moderate to Difficult (Exploratory)
Distance:8.5 Miles
Pace:Moderate
Trip Leader(s):
Linda L
Ann
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Member Cost:None

Participant Info:
Who's Invited: Members Only, 21 And Older Only
Maximum Group Size:10
Minimum Group Size:2
Number Registered So Far: 3 / 0 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)
Are Dogs Permitted: No

Note: This is an "EXPLORATORY" trip. This means that there are parts of this trip, or perhaps the whole trip, that is new to your Trip Leader(s). However, they are confident that this will not be an issue.
This note is here so that you can make an informed decision. When a Trip Leader isn't personally familiar with a trip, there is an increased chance of things not going as planned and you need to be prepared. The Trip Leader may have additional details in the itinerary.

Itinerary:

Please join Ann and I for a hike on the Chestnut Top Trail.  This is one of three GSMNP hikes we will be leading.  We will be staying at the Talley Ho Inn in Townsend Wednesday and Thursday nights.  If anyone is interested we can meet for meals and carpool.

This is a lovely hike.  First .6 miles is a steady climb.  The trail levels off until we start climbing again to reach Schoolhouse Gap Trail.  We can decide on our lunch spot.  This is our turn around point.

 https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/tennessee/chestnut-top-trail?u=i&sh=pebdiv

This is a moderately paced, D4 hike with 1700+ elevation gain.  You should be able to keep the pace with the group with minimal rest breaks.  We will stay together as a group.  To join the hike, please have solid D4 AOC hiking experience in the last 4-6 weeks.

Please plan to arrive 10 - 15 minutes early so we can start the hike promptly at 9:00 a.m.  


Required Items to Bring:

Trail shoes

Wear appropriate clothing

Water (2 to 3 L)/hydrating drinks/electrolytes

Lunch/snacks

GSMNP Parking Pass

Recommended Items to Bring:
Use our Event Checklists to make sure you have everything you need.

Hiking Poles, if you use them

Hat/Sunglasses

Sunscreen

Bug Spray

Poncho, in case of rain


How to Get There:
Event Directions:

https://maps.app.goo.gl/MzLVZSFW8ZdHj6SLA


Notes:

Fee information:  While there is no entrance fee, a paid parking tag is required for those who park longer than 15 minutes.  You may purchase a daily, weekly, or annual tag online at the visitor's center.  For more information, please visit:  https://www.nps.gov


* We encourage all members to follow our Etiquette Guidelines while participating in AOC events.


Cancellation/Partial Attendance:   Please review the AOC cancellation policy.


Registration for this event opens at 1/15/2026 7:15:00 PM