Last Updated on September 12, 2023 by
Clingmans Dome is one of the top tourist destinations in the entire park. Be prepared for a very busy parking lot with the very real potential you will not be able to find a spot at all. Be persistent, the trip to the observation tower is well worth your time.
At 6,643 feet, Clingmans Dome is the highest point in both the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Tennessee. It is also the third highest mountain east of the Mississippi. On a clear day, you can see almost 100 miles in any direction from the observation tower.
From the parking lot, it is a paved half mile walk to the base of the tower. It is a pretty steep trail compounded by a lot of out of shape tourists, but there are plenty of benches along the way should you need a rest. The tower itself is a gently sloping spiral to the top.
Did you know?
The Appalachian Trail crosses Clingmans Dome making it the highest point along its 2,190 mile journey from Georgia to Maine. Completed in 1937, the AT is the longest contiguous hiking only trail in the world. It crosses through portions of 14 states beginning at Springer Mountain in Georgia and ending at Katahdin Mountain in Maine. Each year, approximately 3000 people attempt to complete the entirety of the trail with less than 25% succeeding.
Always Remember the Seven Principles of Leave No Trace
Plan Ahead and Prepare, Stay on Designated Trails, Dispose of Waste Properly, Don’t Take Anything You Didn’t Bring with You, Minimize Campfire Impacts, Respect Wildlife, Be Considerate of Other Visitors
Courtesy: Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics
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