[1] While the mountain is located deep within the Smokies, the Appalachian Trail crosses its eastern slope, coming to within 200 feet (61 m) of the summit.

A 1,500-foot (460 m) gap divides Chapman from Dashoga Ridge (i.e., Mount Hardison and Marks Knob), just two miles (3 km) to the east.

[4] Its western slope, known as Chapman Lead, is more gradual, descending roughly 4,000 feet (1,200 m) over 5 miles (8.0 km) to its base along the headwaters of the Little Pigeon River.

[5] Chapman Lead parallels Guyot Spur to the north, with Buck Fork between the two ridges.

The mountain is named after Colonel David C. Chapman, a Knoxville business leader who led efforts to establish a national park in the Smokies.