- Highlights: Views, rock scrambles, rock formations
- Distance: 5.1 miles out and back
- Elevation Change: 1,689 feet
- Trail Surface: Dirt and rocks
- Difficulty Level: Strenuous
- Trailhead Parking: Landis parking area on Smoke Hole Road, 2.3 miles south of route 28 near Cabins WV
- Trail Markings: Blue diamond blazes, signs at trail junctions
- Website: AllTrails
- Beer Pairings: High Ground Brewing Weapons Free IPA & Mountain State Brewing Cold Trail Blond Ale
Trail Map:
The Backstory:
Chimney Top is a popular hiking destination in West Virginia with amazing views and awesome rock formations. We hiked to Chimney Top from the northern terminus of the North Fork Mountain trail in 2023 and it was one of our top hikes that year.
We heard great things about an alternate ascent from the south on the Landis Trail. In 2024 we were staying at the nearby North Fork Mountain Inn (our favorite inn) and unfortunately the weather didn’t cooperate. We made the climb up the Landis Trail in the rain and fog and the heavy clouds on the ridge hid all the views. We knew we had to try this hike again.
The Hike:
Fast forward to July 4, 2025. We were once again staying at the North Fork Mountain Inn and Kathy was nursing a very sore knee. We completed a six mile hike in Dolly Sods the day before and Kathy wisely opted for a day of rest. With a promise to take lots of photos, Pete ventured out for a solo hike to Chimney Top.
The climb up on Landis is a bit more gradual than the northern trail to Chimney Top. Most hikers take the northern ascent so this hike has some solitude until you get close to Chimney Top. The Landis Trail ends at the junction with North Form Mountain Trail. Turn right here and follow the trail along the ridge.
We almost always recommend following the AllTrails route. However, on this hike we recommend following an unmarked trail which branches off to the left (west). While a bit overgrown in places, this route has amazing views of the valley and rock formations leading up to Chimney Top.
The views on this section of the trail are spectacular. There is a rock scramble or two as you make your way north to Chimney Top. You likely won’t have the summit of Chimney Top to yourself, but the amazing views are not to be missed. Enjoy the views and a snack and return hiking southbound on the ridge and bear left at the junction with Landis Trail to return to your vehicle.
Extended Hike Option:
With two vehicles (or a disabled hiking partner) this hike can be extended to a point-to-point hike of 10.4 miles with a 2,440 elevation gain. Kathy dropped Pete off at the Landis trailhead. Pete did the hike up Landis to Chimney Top. He then hiked southbound on the North Fork Mountain Trail, passing the junction with Landis.
Pete continued south on the NFMT to the Hickory Trail #507. Bear left here as the trail descends down North Fork Mountain. The trail joins a fire road which leads to Smoke Hole Road and a parking area for your second vehicle. Pete followed the red-blazed trail (shown as a private trail on AllTrails) to the North Fork Mountain Inn where a cold beer, hot shower, and Kathy were waiting. Innkeepers Nadia and Janise served a great dinner which rounded out a perfect day.
Hike Photos:
Beer Pairing:
Hermitage Inn & Taphouse in Petersburg WV is located about 20 minutes from the trailhead. They offer six taps of craft beer, a variety of craft beer in cans, and a full bar. They have indoor and outdoor seating and a decent menu with a variety of food options.
Kathy enjoyed Weapons Free (9% ABV • 30 IBU), a double IPA from High Ground Brewing in WV. This hazy New England-style IPA is brewed with Galaxy, Nelson Sauvin, and Citra hops. Pete wanted something cold and refreshing in a glass. Cold Trail Blond Ale (5.5% ABV) from Mountain State Brewing is a wheat beer with a crisp, clean finish.
Hike and drink responsibly. Never drink and drive. Stay safe, be responsible, and leave no trace.