Clingmans Dome

Bryson City, North Carolina

4.4/5

based on 19 reviews

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Distance

1.23 miles

Elevation Gain

338 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Spenser Reid

Hike to the top of the highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains. Enjoy spectacular 360° views of the Smokies and beyond.

The drive to Clingmans Dome is miles of scenic overlooks that provide endless views of ridges and valleys. Clingmans Dome Road comes to a parking lot from which you follow a .5 mile paved trail to the summit.

There are also several trails that start on Clingmans Dome Road. Most notably The Appalachian Trail, which crosses Clingmans Dome, making it the highest point on the whole trail.

Turn off Newfound Gap Road 0.1 mile south of Newfound Gap and follow the 7-mile-long Clingmans Dome Road to the large parking area at the end.

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Clingmans Dome Reviews

Clay Steelman

Clingmans Dome

06/21/17

Like some earlier reviews have said, I wouldn't really call this a "hike." The drive to the parking lot is a scenic experience in and of itself. The walk from the parking lot to the observation deck / tower is somewhat steep at some points but paved the entire way. The view from the tower is amazing and well worth it!

5.0

Sarah Johnson

Clingmans Dome

11/28/16

Clingman's Dome is awesome! The view at the top is phenomenal and offers a great look over the land. It is a fairly easy hike but is pretty steep all the way up.

5.0

Ally Woodall

Clingmans Dome

10/11/16

This isn't much of a hike, more of a paved walk up to the lookout. The walk is steep and definitely gets your heart rate up, but the views from the top are more than worth it!

5.0

Ashlyn Schaub

Clingmans Dome

05/26/16

A really cool spot that's worth the visit. However I think the drive up was my favorite part. The views and overlooks throughout the parkway on the way up were incredible. Be sure to stop at the overlooks. Also keep in mind it is a long way up the mountain (about an hour).

4.0

Johnathan Duncan

Clingmans Dome

03/09/16

This isn't really hike, but offers some of the most spectacular views of the mountains. It is often crowded and sometimes can be closed because of bad weather so be sure to check before heading up there

4.0

Explorer

Nathan Szwarc

Explorer

Clingmans Dome

01/20/16

The best place for night photography in Tennessee easily and maybe in all of the south east, great adventure!

5.0

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Clingmans Dome Loop

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Andrews Bald

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Appalachian Trail: Charlie's Bunion and Kephart Loop

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Charlies Bunion via Appalachian Trail

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Clingmans Dome

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Clingmans Dome Reviews

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Nearby

Clingmans Dome Loop

Andrews Bald

Forney Creek Loop

Appalachian Trail: Charlie's Bunion and Kephart Loop

Myrtle Point via Alum Cave

Charlies Bunion via Appalachian Trail

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