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 and half in Tennessee. 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.
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.
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.
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!
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