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This route takes hikers from the steps of the Historic High Hampton Inn to the peak of Chimney Top Mountain.


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Map Key

4.3

Miles

6.9

KM

Out and Back

4,603' 1,403 m

High

3,436' 1,047 m

Low

1,220' 372 m

Up

1,220' 372 m

Down

11%

Avg Grade (6°)

50%

Max Grade (26°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Fall Colors · Lake · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

This route is located on private property. For access one needs to be a member of High Hampton Club, a guest of a member, or a guest at the historic High Hampton Inn which is located on the property. Portions of this route are located in a protective conservation easement managed by the Highlands Cashiers Land Trust on Behalf of High Hampton.

Overview

High Hampton's toughest hike, but the views at the top so worth it! This route uses The Lakeside Trail, Azalea Trail, Upper and Lower Saddle Trail, and Chimney Top Trail.

Description

The trail starts out crossing the hiking bridge located below Hampton Lake dam. You then follow the Lakeside Trail and take a right onto the Azalea Trail. The Azela Trail end at Owl Hollow Rd. Follow the signs on Owl Hollow Rd and take a left on Flagstone Road. In about 100 yards get back into the woods on the Lower Saddle Trail.

Take the Lower Saddle Trail to the Ramble Ridge Road crossing. Look for the steps and signs just uphill on the other side of the road. This is the Upper Saddle Trail which will take you to the Saddle. Just before the Saddle you'll pass the Grotto Trail on your left.

The Saddle is the low area between Rock Mountain and Chimney Top Mountain and the juncture of Rock Mountain Trail, The Holler Trail, and Chimney Top Trail. Follow the Chimney Top Trail to your right.

The Chimney Top trail has some rocky sections which require a bit of rock scrambling. Kids and pets are capable of completing the trail, but should be supervised. Note that there are some large drop offs at the top of Chimney Top Mountain. Keep kids and pets under your control.

There are several amazing picnic spots at the top with views overlooking Sapphire Valley, South Carolina and into Georgia.

Contacts

Shared By:

Owen Schultz

Trail Ratings

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in High Hampton

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Photos

One of the views from the Top of Chimney Top Mountain
Feb 26, 2023 near Cullowhee, NC
View from top of Chimney Top over Cashiers Valley.
Feb 28, 2023 near Cullowhee, NC
Rock scramble near top of Chimney Top Trail.
Feb 28, 2023 near Cullowhee, NC
View South from Chimney Top Mountain.
Feb 28, 2023 near Cullowhee, NC
This is the toughest of the rock scrambkes on Chimney Top Trail.  Not as bad as it looks.
Feb 28, 2023 near Cullowhee, NC
Boulders on Upper Saddle Trail.
Feb 28, 2023 near Cullowhee, NC

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