Clingman's Dome is the highest spot in the Smoky Mountains. Fortunately, that mountain's highest spot is a place the public can visit. Fortunately, too, it has not been polluted with parking lots full of cars at the top. Instead, there is a lot near the base of the mountain and a nice, unimposing, paved trail that leads to the peak. Unimposing at first, that is, but the steep grade of this trail will challenge the everyday person. We had to stop several times on our ascent to catch breath and lower our heartrates. Still, with perseverance and slow determination, we made it to the top - only to find a spiraled tower to climb. Once atop the tower, there were 360-degree views of the park, just as promised by the National Park Service: At 6,643 feet, Clingmans Dome is the highest point in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It is the highest point in Tennessee, and the third highest mountain east of the Mississippi. Only Mt. Mitchell (6,684 feet) and Mt. Craig (6,647), both located in Mt. Mitchell State Park in western North Carolina, rise higher. The observation tower on the summit of Clingmans Dome offers spectacular 360° views of the Smokies and beyond for visitors willing to climb the steep half-mile walk to the tower at the top. |
The views do not disappoint. This range of mountains continues into the distance as far as the eyes can see, and the natural state is preserved nearly perfectly, with only an occasional antenna breaking the view. The viewing platform sits higher than the trees to provide a complete panorama of the Great Smoky Mountains. I'll put the photos that I took on the website soon, as well as some time-lapse videos of the descent. Just keep in mind that the incline/decline is much steeper than it looks, and what goes up must come down. We saw several people who struggled with the hike, and even medics available on site to take care of those who need assistance. | |