Clingmans Dome

View from Observation Tower

Clingmans Dome Description Clingmans Dome is the highest peak in the Great Smoky Mountains. At 6,643 feet above sea level, it is the 3rd highest peak east of the Mississippi. An observation tower at the top provides a spectacular 360 degree panoramic view of the park. Clingmans Dome is one of the more popular spots in the Smokies. But the large parking area, wide trail, and restrooms are sufficiently large to handle the crowds. A seven mile scenic drive from Newfound Gap road leads to Clingmans Dome. There are many pullouts along the road which provide beautiful views of the mountains. A large parking area at the end of the road provides plenty of parking for visitors. The road is closed in the winter from December 1st til March 31st. The Clingmans dome road starts 0.1 mile south of Newfound Gap, which is about 1/2 way between Gatlinburg and Cherokee. It is about 25 miles to Clingmans Dome from Gatlinburg or Cherokee. Page Index Directions Observation Tower Best times to visit Weather Hiking Picnicing Restrooms Recommended Reading For more information  Clingmans Dome Observation Tower The observation tower at Clingmans Dome is open to the public and is accessible by a 1/2 mile paved hiking trail. The tower provides an amazing 360 degree panoramic view of the Smokies. On a very clear day, you can see over 100 miles. However, most days, due to fog, clouds, and haze, the view is much shorter. Clouds and rain are very common and can limit the view to almost 0 some days. Clouds sometimes move in and out quickly, so if you stay for a while, the view may change rapidly. Clingmans Dome Observation Tower Best times to visit Clingmans Dome is one of the best places in the Smokies to watch a sunrise or sunset. In late June and early July, the flame azaleas are in bloom, especially at Andrews Bald. October is a good time to see the fall colors anywhere in the park. Colors start to change earlier in the higher elevations, making early to mid October the best time to see the fall colors at Clingmans Dome. July and August are the hottest months in the Smokies. Hiking in the lower elevations can be hot and humid. The temperature at Clingmans Dome generally runs 10-20 degrees cooler than the lower elevations. Weather Because of the high elevation at Clingmans Dome, the temperatures run 10-20 degrees colder than the lower elevations. The table below shows the average temperature and snowfall at Clingmans Dome. Clingmans Dome Month High Low Snowfall January 35 19 18 February 35 18 20 March 39 24 26 April 49 34 5 May 57 43 trace June 63 49 0 July 65 53 0 August 64 52 0 September 60 47 trace October 53 38 2 November 42 28 5 December 37 21 8 Hiking Clingmans Dome offers several hiking trails. The 1/2 mile paved trail leading to the observation tower is by far the most popular trail here. The trail is wide and well maintained. Since it is paved, you can push strollers or wheelchairs up the trial. It is a very steep trail, making it a little more difficult of a hike than it first appears. The trail begins at the parking area. If you want to reach the observation tower, but avoid the crowds, take the Forney Ridge Trail which branches to the left off of the paved trail. Look for a sign on the left for the Forney Ridge trail. From the Forney Ridge trail, follow signs to the Appalachian Trail. Andrews Bald is a great hike from Clingmans Dome. The 3.6 mile round trip hike follows the Forney Ridge trail to Andrews Bald. Parts of trail are very Rocky, and the beginning of the trail can be very wet if it has rained recently. Silers Bald is an 8 mile round trip hike from Clingmans Dome along the Appalachian Trail. Picnicing Clingmans dome does not have a developed picnic area. There are no picnic tables or grills. However, there are plenty of great places to spread out a blanket and enjoy a picnic with a great view. The grassy area at the entrance to the parking area is a good spot for a picnic. If you feel like carrying your food about 2 miles, Andrews bald is a magnificent spot for a picnic. Restrooms Restrooms with running water and flush toilets are available near the start of the trail to the observation tower.

Directions to Clingmans Dome

Driving Directions: from Gatlinburg, TN from Pigeon Forge, TN from Cherokee, NC from Maryville, TN from the Knoxville Airport from another location

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Recommended Reading

Rescue in the Wild is a wonderful children's novel set in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It is a fictional book, but gives great information about the national park while telling an entertaining story.

Great Smoky Mountains: A Vistor's Companion describes and illustrates in full color dozens of plant and animal species in the Smokies, including a wide variety of birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, mammals, and plants. It also explores the park's geology, climate, and history.

Clingmans Dome / Cataloochee, Great Smoky Mountains National Park Trails Illustrated Map is a great map of the clingmans dome and cataloochee areas. The National Geographic Trails Illustrated Maps are some of the best trail maps of any area.

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