Quick Facts
The Highest Point in Tennessee
At 6,643 feet above sea level, Clingmans Dome is the highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the highest point in the state of Tennessee. It is also the third highest mountain east of the Mississippi River, after Mount Mitchell (6,684 feet) and Mount Craig (6,647 feet), both in North Carolina. The iconic spiral observation tower at the summit provides 360-degree panoramic views that, on exceptionally clear days, can stretch up to 100 miles in every direction.
Clingmans Dome is named after Thomas Lanier Clingman, a United States Senator from North Carolina who explored the Smoky Mountains in the 1850s and measured the elevation of this peak. The Cherokee people called this mountain Kuwahi, meaning "Mulberry Place," and considered it a sacred site. Today, more than half a million visitors make the pilgrimage to this summit each year, making it one of the most visited spots in the entire national park system.
Do not let the short half-mile distance fool you. The paved trail gains 330 feet of elevation at a steep grade, and the high altitude can make breathing feel more labored than expected. Take your time, especially if you are not accustomed to mountain elevations. The views are worth the effort.
Getting There and Road Access
From Gatlinburg, take US-441 (Newfound Gap Road) south for approximately 13 miles to Newfound Gap. At Newfound Gap, turn right onto Clingmans Dome Road and drive 7 miles to the large parking area at the end of the road. The total drive from downtown Gatlinburg takes approximately 45 minutes under normal conditions.
Approx drive time from our cabins: 45 minutes. While this is one of the longer drives from our cabins, the experience of standing at the highest point in Tennessee makes it absolutely worthwhile.
Critical Road Access Information
Clingmans Dome Road is closed from December 1 through March 31 every year. The road may also close temporarily due to ice, snow, or fog at other times. There is no overnight parking as the road closes at sunset. Always check current road conditions with the National Park Service before making the drive.
Parking Information
- Parking permit: Not required at Clingmans Dome
- Lot size: Large parking area with several hundred spaces
- Peak times: Fills by mid-morning on summer and fall weekends
- Restrooms: Available at the parking area
- No food service: Bring your own snacks and water
The Trail and Observation Tower
The paved trail climbs steadily from the parking area to the observation tower at the summit. While the trail is paved and accessible to most visitors, the steepness makes it challenging for those with mobility issues, cardiovascular conditions, or difficulty with sustained uphill walking. Several benches along the way provide resting spots where you can catch your breath and enjoy the surrounding spruce-fir forest.
The distinctive spiral observation tower was built in 1959 and has become one of the most photographed structures in the entire park. A concrete ramp spirals to the top platform - there are no stairs. The tower rises above the surrounding Fraser fir trees to provide unobstructed panoramic views in every direction. Note that the platform at the top is relatively small and can become crowded on busy days.
The observation tower faces all directions, but the best photographic light is typically in the early morning hours when the sun illuminates the eastern ridges. Sunrise at Clingmans Dome is spectacular if you can arrive before dawn (bring a headlamp for the walk up in darkness).
Make It a Smoky Mountain Adventure
Our Gatlinburg cabins put you within 45 minutes of standing at the highest point in Tennessee. Book your mountain getaway today!
Check Cabin AvailabilityWhat You Will See From the Top
On clear days, the views from the Clingmans Dome observation tower are truly extraordinary. The 360-degree panorama reveals the full majesty of the Great Smoky Mountains and beyond:
- Mountain ridges: Layer upon layer of blue ridges fade into the distance in every direction
- The Appalachian Trail: The famous 2,190-mile trail passes directly beneath the tower
- Seven states: On exceptionally clear days, it is possible to see portions of Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Virginia, Kentucky, and West Virginia
- 100-mile visibility: Under ideal conditions, views can extend over 100 miles
- The famous haze: The "smoke" of the Smoky Mountains is a natural phenomenon caused by trees releasing organic compounds
The reality is that truly clear days are relatively rare at Clingmans Dome. The summit is frequently shrouded in clouds, and visibility can be limited to just a few feet on foggy days. However, even cloudy days create a mystical atmosphere, and watching clouds stream through the surrounding forest can be a magical experience in its own right.
Weather and Temperature
The weather at Clingmans Dome is dramatically different from conditions in Gatlinburg. The 6,643-foot elevation creates a high-mountain environment more similar to New England or Canada than the surrounding Tennessee lowlands:
- Temperature: Typically 15 to 20 degrees Fahrenheit cooler than Gatlinburg
- Wind: The exposed summit can experience strong and gusty winds
- Precipitation: The summit receives over 85 inches of precipitation annually
- Clouds: The observation tower is frequently above or within clouds
- Snow: Snow can occur from October through May at this elevation
Best Times to Visit
- Sunrise: Offers the clearest views, least crowded conditions, and magical light
- Weekday mornings: Significantly fewer crowds than weekends
- Late September through October: Fall color season and typically clearer air
- April and May: Wildflower season with spring clarity and fewer visitors
- After weather fronts: The clearest days often follow the passage of cold fronts
Avoid the peak hours of 10 AM to 4 PM on summer weekends if possible. The parking lot fills early, and the observation tower platform becomes very crowded. Also note that the famous Smoky Mountain haze is actually a natural phenomenon caused by trees releasing organic compounds, but air pollution can make it worse, especially on hot summer days.
What to Bring
- Warm layers: Even in summer, temperatures can be 20 degrees cooler than Gatlinburg
- Wind protection: A windbreaker or light jacket is essential
- Water: Stay hydrated at altitude even on short walks
- Snacks: No food is available at the summit
- Camera: The views demand documentation
- Binoculars: Enhance your ability to see distant peaks and features
- Headlamp: If arriving for sunrise before dawn
- Rain jacket: Weather can change rapidly at this elevation
Combine With These Experiences
Make the most of your drive to Clingmans Dome by combining it with these nearby experiences:
- Newfound Gap: Stop on the way for views from the Tennessee-North Carolina state line
- Andrews Bald: A 3.6-mile round trip hike from the Clingmans Dome parking area to a grassy bald with wildflowers
- Appalachian Trail: Walk a section of the famous AT in either direction from the parking area
- Forney Ridge Trail: A more challenging hiking option for experienced hikers
Approx Drive Time from Our Cabins
| Location | Drive Time |
|---|---|
| Our Cabins to Clingmans Dome Parking | Approx 45 minutes |
