At 6,643 feet, Clingmans Dome is the tallest peak in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the highest point in Tennessee, and the third highest mountain east of the Mississippi River. Only North Carolina’s Mt. Mitchell (6,684 feet) and Mt. Craig (6,647 feet) rise higher. At the summit, an observation tower offers breathtaking 360° views of the Smokies and beyond. Visitors can reach the tower via a steep, paved half-mile trail from the parking area.
Stunning Views and Seasonal Conditions
On clear days, visibility extends over 100 miles. However, air pollution often reduces this to less than 20 miles. Clingmans Dome’s summit is frequently shrouded in clouds and experiences cool, wet conditions year-round. Temperatures are typically 10-20°F cooler than the surrounding lowlands, creating a unique spruce-fir forest resembling a coniferous rainforest. Visitors should dress in layers and carry a jacket, even in summer.
The road to Clingmans Dome is closed seasonally, usually from early December through late March and during hazardous weather. The seven-mile Clingmans Dome Road features scenic pullouts offering panoramic views of ridges and valleys and ends in a large parking area.
Access and Trails
A steep, 0.5-mile paved trail leads to the observation tower from the parking area. While the trail is paved, it is too steep for wheelchair access. Pets and bicycles are not allowed on the trail, but a bike rack is available near the trailhead for secure parking.
Clingmans Dome is also a hub for several hiking trails:
The Appalachian Trail (AT): Crosses Clingmans Dome, marking the highest point on its Georgia-to-Maine route.
Forney Ridge Trail: Leads to Andrews Bald, a grassy high-elevation bald.
Ecological Challenges
The spruce-fir zone at Clingmans Dome faces threats from the balsam woolly adelgid, an invasive insect that kills Fraser fir trees by blocking their nutrient pathways. Once dominant at high elevations in the southern Appalachians, these first have little natural defense against the pest introduced from Europe. Dead Fraser fir snags now dot the highest peaks.
A related insect, the hemlock woolly adelgid, devastates hemlock trees throughout the park. Hemlock snags are visible along Newfound Gap Road, a reminder of the ongoing ecological challenges in the Smokies.
Directions
To reach Clingmans Dome, turn off Newfound Gap Road 0.1 mile south of Newfound Gap. Follow the seven-mile Clingmans Dome Road to its end at the large parking area. From there, enjoy the steep trail to the summit, the incredible views, and the unique environment of the highest point in the Smokies.
