Scenic Vistas

Clingmans Dome

Clingmans Dome is the highest point in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, and also the highest point in Tennessee (Other than Summer take a sweater or jacket: elevation does make a difference in temperature!).

To reach Clingmans Dome take US 441 into the Park to Newfound Gap and turn onto Clingmans Dome Road (closed in Winter). The road follows the ridgetops thru a spruce fir forest and leads to a parking area 332 vertical feet below the summit of Clingmans Dome.

From the parking area there is a steep, half-mile walk on a paved trail to the 6,642 foot high peak (Don't despair there are benches along the way.). At the summit, a 45 foot high observation tower allows you to climb above the trees. Extensive views lie in all directions, and on a clear day the view stretches into seven states. On a cloudy, foggy day you will be lucky to see the ground 45 feet below.