Clingmans Dome is, at 6,643 feet, Great Smoky Mountains National Park's highest point.



Clingmans Dome is a popular Park destination. Located along the state-line ridge, it is half in North Carolina 

 

 

  It is the highest point in    Tennessee, and the second highest point east of the Mississippi.  Only    Mt. Mitchell (6,684 feet) in North Carolina rises higher.

Clingmans Dome is a popular Park destination, located along the North Carolina, Tennessee border. The peak is accessible after driving Clingmans Dome Road from Newfound Gap, and then walking a steep half-mile trail. A paved trail leads to a 54-foot observation tower. The Appalachian Trail crosses Clingmans Dome, marking the highest point along its 2,144 mile journey.

APPALACHIAN  MOUTAINS  CLINGMAN  DOME   IS  A  MUST  SEE

Views from Clingmans Dome are spectacular.     On clear cloud free days views expand over 100 miles and into seven states.  However, air pollution limits average viewing distances to 22 miles.  Despite this handicap, breathtaking scenes delight those ascending the tower.

SUNSET  AT  CLIMAN'S  DOME  SMOKY  NATIONAL PARK  IS  A  MUST SEE

 

  It is a great place for sunrises and sunsets.

Cloudy days, precipitation, and cold temperatures reveal the hostile environment atop Clingmans Dome.  Proper preparation is essential for a good visit as weather conditions atop Clingmans Dome change quickly.  Snow can fall from anytime between September and May. Get weather forecast before heading to the tower.

The cool, wet conditions on Clingmans Dome's summit make it a coniferous rainforest.  Unfortunately, pests, disease, and environmental degradation threaten the unique and fragile spruce-fir forest.  Dead trunks litter the area, and dying trees struggle to survive another year.   As nature works it's course, a young forest will replace these dying trees.  Berries thrive in the open areas and are always a tasteful treat to hikers.

Although Clingmans Dome is open year-round, the road leading to it is closed from December 1 through April 1, and whenever adverse weather conditions require.  Adventurous people can hike and cross-country ski on the road during the winter time.

If you are ever in the area, Clingmans Dome is a 'must visit' place that one would regret missing!