🌤 Weather at Chimneys State Natural Area by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 41–78 °F | 65–88 °F | 41–83 °F | 32–54 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Whitwell-Sequatchie Valley, 6 mi away, elevation 1,020 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
Chimneys State Natural Area is a 33-acre Class I scenic-recreational state natural area in Marion County, Tennessee, off Pocket Road near Whitwell. The State of Tennessee owns it under the Natural Areas Program of the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC), and the Chimneys Scenic Park Association maintains it. It is not a Tennessee state park, and there is no camping.
Quick Facts
| State | Tennessee |
| County | Marion |
| Size | 33 acres |
| Designated | 1999 (state natural area) |
| Access | Open to the public, limited access |
What You’ll See
Pocket Creek has cut Pocket Gorge into the sandstone of the Cumberland Plateau, in an area locals call the Pocket Wilderness. The Chimneys are two isolated pinnacles of Warren Point sandstone, about 200 feet high, joined at a central base. U.S. Steel donated the land to the State in 1999, the same year it was designated a state natural area.
Things to Do
You get a parking area and a short overlook trail with a view into the gorge. There are no developed trails in the gorge itself. Dogs are allowed on a leash. TDEC lists camping, fishing and hunting as not allowed.
Visitor Tips
TDEC lists no entrance fee for the Chimneys. From Highway 108 between Whitwell and Palmer, turn onto Pocket Road and drive about 3.5 miles; the entrance is on the left on Chimney Park Road, just before a church. For current conditions, see the TDEC page for Chimneys State Natural Area or contact the Chimneys Scenic Park Association, 6191 Pocket Rd., Whitwell, TN 37397. As of October 2026.
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🐾 Dogs & Pets at Chimneys State Natural Area
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Dogs, cats and other pets are permitted in Tennessee State Parks, including all campgrounds, if leashed, crated or otherwise under physical restrictive control at all times.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- 6 ft physical leash required; pets must not be left unattended
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Pets are prohibited on designated swimming beaches and at pools at all times
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Pets prohibited in park lodges and cabins except designated pet-friendly units; each park offers a limited number of pet-friendly lodge rooms and one pet-friendly cabin ($20 per pet per night)
- Pet fees statewide rule
- No day-use or campground pet fee; $20 per pet per night in designated lodge rooms/cabins
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Park management may post additional no-pet areas on trails; proof of rabies vaccination may be required
Are dogs allowed at Chimneys State Natural Area?
Dogs, cats and other pets are permitted in Tennessee State Parks, including all campgrounds, if leashed, crated or otherwise under physical restrictive control at all times. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via tnstateparks.com. More: Tennessee state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Map
Plan your gear for Chimneys State Natural Area
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
