Clingmans Dome
The observation tower is a concrete edifice standing atop the
highest point in Tennessee, 6643 feet above sea level. The tower actually
straddles the Tennessee/North Carolina state line, however North Carolina
boasts a taller peak, Mount Mitchell, 70 miles to the northeast. Surrounding
firs encroach upon the panoramic view from the top. Photographs at all
compass points detail the peaks and other pertinent landmarks visible from the
top. Sunsets and sunrises are spectacular from here on clear days. However,
obscuring clouds and rain are common. Bring a jacket, as temperature is
brisker and winds stronger than you may think even in summer. A rain
shower can pop up in an instant, leaving just as rapidly. Raincoats are much
more practical than umbrellas in the stiff winds. Don't let me discourage you
from coming - by all means come! Clear days are superb for pictures. I just
don't want you to be unprepared - remember the Boy Scout's motto.
The 'trail' is wide and paved, much more like a road. Benches are provided
at several locations along the way. Climb is 400 feet in a half mile.
Most books list this as strenuous, for hikers it is easy to maybe moderate.
Perhaps the books take into account that many visitors to this tower are not
hikers. Again, this is a half-mile hike up a steep hill all the way. For
those who frequent the mountains, it is short, steep and paved. Rest rooms
and water are provided at the bottom, near the parking area. Expect a crowd,
parking spaces are plentiful, but often full. The spruce and fir forest at
this altitude is typical of Canada and New England, as is the climate.
However, you will notice that the forest is not flourishing. A critter
brought from overseas, the infernal wooly aphid, has launched an attack upon
them. Should they prevail, the dome will become Clingmans Bald in a decade.
View from the road to Clingmans Dome (I think).
Although this trip is a quick, busy view, it should not be passed by. It is
the highest point in the park, the view is excellent and it is the classic
Smoky mountain photo stop. If you are itching to do more extended walking,
then consider a stroll to Andrews Bald a five mile
round trip along Forney Ridge.
Leslie's notes:
My first time up this trail I was 12 years old, on a
family vacation. I remember having a snowball fight with my sister. It
was mid April and there was still snow on the sides of the trail. I can't
guarantee this to ever happen again, but it is always colder up there.
This is one of my favorite hikes. The view is spectacular from the
observation tower, but be aware that even when it is clear down at Newfound
Gap, it can be completely fogged over at Clingman's Dome. It is a strenous
trail, despite what my dear husband says. I've seen athlete types gasping
on the way up. But it is worth the effort. Take it slow and rest often.
The best time in my opinion for gorgeous moutain views from the top is
during fall when the air is cold and crisp. During the summer it is often
too hazy to see very far.
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