Clingmans Dome is about halfway in between Bryson City, North Carolina and Gatlinburg, Tennessee . . . as the raven flies. The 45’ (13.7 m) high, and 375’ (114.3 m) long, winding ramp sits at an elevation of 6,644’ (2,025 m) making it the highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains and the third highest summit east of the Mississippi. Due to this gain in elevation you’ll experience a 20-25° drop in temperature between Bryson City and Clingmans Dome so dress accordingly. Clingmans Dome also has the distinction of being the highest point along the 2,190 miles (3,524.5 km) of the Appalachian Trail which stretches from Georgia all the way up into Maine.
From the top of Clingmans Dome, which sits right on the North Carolina/Tennessee border, you have a truly spectacular 360° view of the Great Smoky Mountains and 5 different surrounding states. The Cherokee called the Great Smoky Mountains Shaconage, which translates as “place of the blue smoke.” In the early 19th-century the dome was called the “Smoky Dome” but was later renamed for a local attorney and politician who conducted numerous scientific explorations in the region.
Newfound Gap
Your journey to the Clingmans Dome actually begins at the Newfound Gap. Located off the US-441, the Gap is a half-way stop between Bryson City and Gatlinburg. It serves as a nice spot to take a break with its huge parking area, overlook, cool monument and even has a conduit to the Appalachian Trail. And you never know what you might see . . . including a kilted hiker from the Cayman Islands!
Clingmans Dome Road
Across from the Newfound Gap begins the 7.3 mile (11.75 km) windy road up to the Clingmans Dome parking area. This road is the only option to get to the top (unless you want to walk). The drive takes a bit under 20 minutes and, if it’s a clear day, is filled with fantastic views most of the way. Keep an eye out for pulloffs to you left (as you enter) and to your right (as you’re leaving). In all you’ll experience an elevation shift of over 1,500’ (457 m).
Parking Area
As you enter the parking area it’s best to grab any spot you can. We went to Clingmans Dome twice on our visit and, when the day is clear, the parking lot fills up quickly. If you don’t see a spot you can park on the side of the road though you could have quite a haul back to the parking area. The highlight of the parking area are the vista views to the south of the Nantahala National Forest that includes the Snowbird Mountains and Fontana Lake. The mountains took on colors reminiscent of a lenticular print. There are clean restrooms and a park ranger is always available if you have any questions.
Hike up to Clingmans Dome
The hike up to Clingmans Dome begins to the left of the large rock pile. You’ll see the Gift Shop on your right and a nice lookout to your left. The path is paved the entire way to the top and is a consistent uphill trek. To your left there are some great views and to the right is mostly just a slightly elevated dense forest and some nice rock formations. There are several benches available if you need to rest on the way.
You notice a number of dead tress as you look down into the North Carolina mountains. They are primarily Fraser firs that have been destroyed by a .04” (1 mm) insect (balsam wooly adelgid), accidentally brought into the country from Europe sometime in the 1950’s. When you see the gravel path to your left for the Appalachian Trail you know you are almost there.
Clingmans Dome
The base of Clingmans Dome is a nice open circular area (with seating all around) that opens up directly onto the ramp to the top. The concrete ramp slowly circles 360° around as it gradually ascends to its full 45’ (13.7 m) elevation point. Along the way you can see in all directions with nary a poor view to be found.
At the top there is plenty of room, even when it’s crowded, to move around and soak in the spectacular views that, on a clear day, can extend to as much as 100 miles. Cumulus cloudy days produce some beautiful patterns on the distant mountains. There are guideboards that show what mountains, towns and lakes you’re looking at as you work your way around the circular platform.
The vista views are amazing but make sure to appreciate the beauty that immediately surrounds Clingmans Dome as well. There’s a nice assortment of spruce and fir trees some with brightly colored moss and fungi clinging to their branches. At the base we met a hiker, trailname: Buckwheat, who was making the entire Appalachian Trail journey. He told us about the camaraderie that exists among the hikers, how they organized food, water and even the series of shelters for sleeping at night.
Weather
One of the main considerations before visiting Clingmans Dome is weather. We actually visited twice because our first try was on a very foggy day. While it was beautiful in its own way, we saw none of the spectacular views our return trip (after confirming the weather forecast) afforded us. The advantage to the foggy day was ease of parking and having the trail and dome virtually to ourselves. All things considered . . . we were good with both experiences.
Visitor Center & Gift Store
There is a fantastic little Visitor Center and Gift Shop located right at the beginning of the trail. Unfortunately we visited in May of 2021 (Covid-19) so we weren’t allowed inside but they were still parsing out advice and selling some cool exclusive items. The building itself is beautiful with layered stone slabs sitting atop a small mound overlooking the valley below.
US-441
The US-441 is the only way to get from Bryson City to the Great Smoky Mountains. Luckily it is a beautiful drive the entire way. Near Cherokee it marks the very beginning of the Blue Ridge Parkway, has amazing views of the Smoky Mountains, various rock formations and passes through tunnels, next to waterfalls and runs parallel to numerous whitewater rivers. Be sure to take advantage of the several pulloffs available to stop and take pictures.
The thing that really stands out, as with much of the east coast, are the trees. Essentially a huge forest that has been cleared over the millennia for human usage, the woods that frame most of the US-441 provide a visual smorgasbord to what could otherwise be a tedious drive. Natural beauty never gets old.
Clingmans Dome was a perfect stopover on our way from Bryson City to Gatlinburg, TN. The Great Smoky Mountains are spectacular and this most famous of lookouts provides an utterly unique perspective.
Do you have a favorite lookout? We’d love to hear about it!
