Key Info
Details
- Hiking, Sightseeing Type
- 1 to 2 hours Time to Spend
Scorecard
-
Value5.0
-
Facilities2.0
-
Atmosphere5.0
Read about how we rank Things to Do.
Clingmans Dome is not only the highest point in Tennessee, but also in the park itself. On a clear day, you may be able to see more than 100 miles. Take a jacket along – even in the summer – as temperatures at the 6,643-foot peak will be much colder than those in the lower elevations. There are several scenic pullouts along Clingmans Dome Road, which ends in a parking area at the trailhead. The trail is paved, but very steep, and leads to an observation tower at the summit. There are also several other trails that start at Clingmans Dome Road and its parking area, including the Appalachian Trail, which crosses Clingmans Dome and is the highest point along its route from Georgia to Maine.
Recent travelers called this the most amazing sight in the mountains, despite the steep trail. Many advised visiting on a sunny day, as clouds and fog can obscure the stunning views from the dome. Some noted that parking is limited and especially hard to snag at peak times during the summer and on weekends. Most also advised bringing warm clothing, and some said the bathroom facilities were less than ideal.
The road leading to the observation tower is closed from Dec. 1 through March 31, as well as other days throughout the year during inclement weather. A bike rack is located in the parking area near the beginning of the paved trail, as neither bikes nor pets are allowed on the Dome Trail or the other trails in the area. Clingmans Dome Road is 0.1 miles south of Newfound Gap, and about 7 miles off U.S. Route 441. Check the NPS website for directions and weather and trail conditions.
