Far-reaching views of a gorgeous national park await at the lookout tower located at the highest point of the Great Smoky Mountains.
Clingmans Dome is the tallest peak of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and one of the park’s most popular attractions. This mountain rises to an elevation of 6,643 feet (2,025 meters) on the border of the states of North Carolina and Tennessee. Enjoy views of the mountain via hiking routes that traverse the Smokies. Follow a short paved trail to an observation deck reached by a curved concrete ramp.
Start your visit at the Clingmans Dome Visitor Center, where you can learn about the area’s climate, history and topography. Cherokee people consider the mountain a sacred place for dancing, fasting and praying. Temperatures at the summit are often up to 20 F (7 C) lower than at ground level. The 2,641-foot-long (805-meter) paved Clingmans Dome Trail leads from the center to the observation tower.
At the top you’ll be treated to spectacular views of the undulating landscapes of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Air pollution and cloud coverage sometimes occur in this region of the park however, on clear days the visibility is up to 100 miles (160 kilometers). Note the thick coniferous rainforest, which displays vivid shades of green in summer, dazzles with colorful fall foliage and becomes blanketed by snow in winter.
Other park trails provide alternate opportunities to see the mountain. The famous Appalachian Trail reaches its highest section here on its 2,190-mile (3,520-kilometer) journey between Maine and Georgia. Forney Ridge Trail approaches from the south and passes over Andrews Bald mountain.
The most convenient way to access the mountain is to drive along Clingmans Dome Road to the trailhead. Free parking is available at the trailhead, although spaces fill up quickly in summer. The road closes from December to March and during extreme weather conditions. Use the designated area for bike parking if you complete the strenuous climb to the top.
Visit Clingmans Dome on foot year-round. Comfortable walking shoes and warm clothing are recommended, even in summer. The closest towns with amenities are Cherokee and Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Admission to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is free.
