Clingmans Dome, Great Smoky Mountains National Park

4.8

#1 of 15 in Nature in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Mountain · Nature / Park

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At an elevation of 2,025 m (6,643 ft or 1.25 mi), Clingmans Dome is both the tallest mountain of the Great Smokies and the highest point along the Appalachian Trail. Park your car near the summit and embark on 0.8 km (0.5 mi) walk to the observation tower atop the mountain. Note that while the trail is short and paved, it is very steep. Benches along the way provide a place to rest and catch your breath. The tower's observation platform provides panoramic views of the surrounding area, and handy signs help you identify points of interest. Bring a jacket with you; cold temperatures and rain are common here. See Clingmans Dome and all Great Smoky Mountains National Park has to offer by arranging your trip with our Great Smoky Mountains National Park holiday planner.

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Clingmans Dome reviews

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TripAdvisor traveler rating

3,089 reviews

Google

4.8

By BlackMambaNumberFive

Clingman’s dome offered serene and majestic views all around even with a little drizzle going on. We visited September last year. This is a must see attraction in the Smokies

Clingman’s dome offered serene and majestic views all around even with a little drizzle going on. We visited September last year. This is a must see attraction in the Smokies more »
By rome80town

The paved trail up to the look-out is steep but made enjoyable by friendliness of fellow travelers. The spruce/fir trees along the way were dense and beautiful and we loved stopping to peer in (and...

The paved trail up to the look-out is steep but made enjoyable by friendliness of fellow travelers. The spruce/fir trees along the way were dense and beautiful and we loved stopping to peer in (and... more »

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Google

By Zach Gordon

Couldn't imagine this place in peak season. Mid November wasn't bad and had clear views. Parking and bathrooms on site. Small gift shop with NP stamp. The walk is steep but very doable. Nice path and plenty of benches and views along the way. Nice natural rock scramble for kids at the parking lot. Amazing views and well worth the walk up.

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By Lindsay Sondelski

Incredibly beautiful! The drive up for the sunrise was long, but so worth it. It was a cold morning with a lot of wind. Definitely recommend checking temps and dress for it. A park ranger also suggested checking the webcam before going to see how clear it is. With going for sunrise that wasn't an option, but it was supposed to be a clear day and it was. The hike up is strenuous (especially with minimal coffee consumed), but manageable and there are spots to stop. You can also get some beautiful views from the parking lot of both sunrise and sunset. So happy we did this, and I highly recommend! Lots of places to stop for views or hikes on the way up or back down.

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