Clingmans dome is also one of the most popular tourist attractions in the great smoky mountains national park due to the incredible 360 degree view from the observation tower at the top. The clingmans dome observation tower will be closed tuesday, july 10, through friday, july 27, to complete a rehabilitation project that began last year, great smoky mountains national park officials. Its 7 miles to the end of clingmans dome road and there are scenic pullouts. Great smoky mountains clingmans dome clingmans dome information. Clingmans dome history thomas lanier clingman video. Clingmans dome great smoky mountains national park all. For those of you who might not know, clingmans dome is an observation tower that allows you to see for miles and mile across the great smoky mountain national park and beyond. Clingmans dome, peak in great smoky mountains national park, u. Clingmans dome was one of nine towers built under the program. Thats what you can expect to find by taking a hike up to the top of the clingmans dome observation tower and then out to andrews bald.
At 6,643 feet in elevation, the dome is also the highest poi. Cite the books, articles, and other sources used in preparing this form. Jun 12, 2017 although the clingmans dome observation tower can be reached via a. Its current name comes from the confederate war general thomas clingmans, who was an avid. The observation tower on the summit of clingmans dome offers spectacular 360 views of the smokies and beyond for visitors willing to climb the paved halfmile to the tower at the top. Clingmans dome great smoky mountains national park 2020. At 6643 feet above sea level, clingmans dome is the highest point in tennessee and third highest point in north carolina.
Clingmans dome bypass trail great smoky mountains association. Exhibits in the center provide an overview of the history of the area and the rare sprucefir forest ecosystem. At an elevation of 6,643 feet 2,025 m, it is the highest mountain in the smokies, the highest point in the state of tennessee, and the highest point along the 2,192mile 3,528 km appalachian trail. Explore clingmans dome in the great smoky mountains national park. Nov 27, 2017 from atop the observation tower, visitors enjoy breathtaking panoramic vistas of the great smoky mountains. Rising to 6,643 feet above sea level, the observation tower provides a 360 view of the surrounding area. Clingmans dome is the highest elevation mountain in tennessee and the third highest mountain east of the mississippi river. National register of historic places registration form. As the highest point in the great smoky mountains national park and in tennessee, clingmans dome towers at 6,643 feet tall.
Meanderthals clingmans dome area trails, great smoky. Many modern towers are also used as tv towers, restaurants, or churches. Feb 26, 2020 the clingmans dome observation tower rises above the surrounding sprucefir forest into the starry autumn sky on saturday, nov. Mission 66 had no written design guidelines but given the programs modernist orientation. From the road and parking lot, visitors will need to hike up a wide paved ramp to reach the overlook. Although clingmans dome observation tower is open yearround, the road leading to it is closed from december 1 through march 31, and whenever weather conditions require. The iconic spiral observation deck provides panoramic views of the southern appalachian mountains from above the treeline. At 6,643 feet, clingmans dome is the highest point in the park and the third highest mountain east of the mississippi.
As part of great smoky mountains national park, clingmans dome is famous for its concrete observation tower which offers visitors a majestic view of the smokies in all directions. However, the view at the top is certainly worth the trip up. Located along the stateline ridge, it is half in north carolina and half in tennessee. At an elevation of 6,643 feet it is also the high point along the appalachian trail. Mitchell state park in western north carolina, rise higher. Great smoky mountains national park officials announced that the clingmans dome observation tower will be closed tuesday, july 10 through friday, july 27 to complete a rehabilitation project that began last year.
Great smoky mountains seeks volunteers at clingmans dome to. A natural, historical and cultural gem in the smoky mountains is written by a former national park service ranger who shares the intimate geographical features, cultural heritage, and historical details of the highest point in great smoky mountains national park. At 6,643 feet, clingmans dome is the highest peak in the smokies and the third highest east of the mississippi. Cades cove visitor center great smoky mountains association.
As a matter of fact, on a clear day, it is said that you can see for over 100 miles and into seven different states. Clingmans dome observation tower, the great smoky mountains. At 6,643 feet, clingmans dome is the tallest point along the entire appalachian trail and the third highest mountain east of the mississippi river. Not your typical ghost tour, mystic mountain offers an intriguing hike into the sordid affairs of the witches of the appalachian mountains. Believe it or not, on a clear day you can stand at the domes observation tower and see over 100 miles and seven states. A brief history of clingmans dome and observation tower in north carolina, plus photos from our trips and tips for visiting. Visited by more than 600,000 people each year, the clingmans dome observation tower has suffered its share of wear and tear. The clingmans dome observation tower, which was first constructed in 1959, is now. The highest point in tennessee at 6,643 feet above sea level, clingmans dome bears witness to the ravages of one type of insect.
Clingmans dome is protected as part of the great smoky mountains national park. Great smoky mountains clingmans dome clingmans dome. A natural, historical and cultural gem in the smoky mountains is written by a former national park service ranger who shares the intimate geographical features, cultural heritage, and historical details of the highest. It is the highest point in tennessee, and the third highest mountain east of the mississippi.
The walk up to the observation tower was a bit of a hike but well worth it once you. The highest point in tennessee, it rises to an elevation of 6,643 feet 2,025 metres and is also the highest point along the appalachian. The peak is accessible after driving clingmans dome road from newfound gap, and then walking a steep halfmile trail. Its an incredible hike that truly gives you a wellrounded smokies experience. An interesting but sad piece of clingmans dome history is a b29 flying. Clingmans dome observation tower is open year round, but the road to clingmans dome is closed from december 1 to march 31 each year and when inclement weather is present. Clingmans dome tower in the great smoky mountains national. Great smoky mountains national park officials announced that the clingmans dome observation tower will be closed beginning wednesday, august 23 through the remainder of the 2017 season to complete rehabilitation work thanks to funding received from a.
The observation tower at the top of clingmans dome offers sweeping views of the parkwhen the weather cooperates. Its like standing on a cloud and looking out over the world. Clingmans dome is one of the most accessible peaks in the smokies. The trail is paved but steep and can be difficult for some. Situated on a summit, the observation tower offers stunningly expansive views of the smoky mountains as far as the eye can see.
On a clear day, you may see as many as five states, up to 100 miles away. Weather permitting, look for the gate to swing on the morning of saturday, march 30. Clingmans dome great smoky mountains national park u. Clingmans dome road provides access most of the year, with just a half mile hike on a paved trail to the summit. From the parking lot, seven miles west of newfound gap, walk the steep halfmile path to the 54foot observation tower for a 360degree view of the park. Even on a cloudy day the view is over 20 miles in any direction. Clingmans dome great smoky mountains national park. Clingmans dome observation tower reopens for winter. Explore clingmans dome in the great smoky mountains.
Clingmans dome mountain, tennessee, united states britannica. A view from the top of the observation tower at clingmans dome at great smoky mountains. Clingmans dome is one of the more popular spots in the smokies. Great smoky mountains seeks volunteers at clingmans dome. Clingmans dome observation tower in the was cold when i was up there. Clingmans dome and observation tower in north carolina. The concrete observation tower at clingmans dome was constructed in 1959. Clingmans dome or clingmans dome is a mountain in the great smoky mountains of. Clingmans dome bryson city, north carolina atlas obscura. Subscribe to our newsletter, and get a free copy of our new ebook. Clingmans dome observation tower great smoky mountains national park. An observation tower at the top provides a spectacular 360 degree panoramic view of the park.
An observation tower is a structure used to view events from a long distance and to create a full 360 degree range of vision to conduct the long distance observations. Park visitors can enjoy views from the parking area or climb the steep, halfmile walk to the observation tower to the summit of clingmans dome which. Clingmans dome is the highest point in the smoky mountains and on the appalachian trail. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from april until november. Clingmans dome, great smoky mountains national park. The 45foot tall observation tower at clingmans dome was built in 1959 to make the view from the highest point in the smokies even more spectacular. Clingmans dome observation tower was completed in 1959. They are usually at least 20 metres 66 ft tall and made from stone, iron, and wood. At 6,643 feet, clingmans dome is the highest point in the great smoky mountains national park. While the awe inspiring grandeur of the clingmans dome view will endure forever, sadly general clingman died alone, penniless and institutionalized. On a clear day, the views extend for over 100 miles. It is a 45 foot high observation tower with a sweeping 375 feet long ramp for visitors to reach the tower. At 6,643 feet above sea level, it is the 3rd highest peak east of the mississippi. Discover clingmans dome in bryson city, north carolina.
Located along the stateline ridge, clingmans dome is a popular park destination. Stop in the sugarland visitors center, then drive 45 minutes to clingmans dome. Great smoky mountains national park looks for volunteers. Clingmans dome history popular destinations great smoky. A natural, historical and cultural gem in the smoky. Clingmans dome tower rehabilitation project begins august. One trail that you wont want to miss is the trail to the clingmans dome observation tower. The 45foot 14m concrete observation tower, built in 1959 and listed on the national register of historic places, offers a panoramic view of the mountains. Clingmans dome is actually half in north carolina and half in tennessee and it is a favored spot for vacationers to this area. Clingmans dome road, which carries passenger vehicles to the top of ol smoky, is expected to open to the public about 48 hours ahead of schedule this spring. Parks official online store for books, maps, and guides to the park. Clingmans dome in the great smoky mountains national park is the highest mountain in tennessee and the smokies. Apr 07, 2017 clingmans dome is a distinctive mountain located on the state line ridge of north carolina and tennessee. Its a popular destination as it is the most accessible mountain top in the great smoky mountains national park gsmnp.
Clingmans dome is one of the highest points east of the mississippi at 6,643 and the. The road leading to clingmans dome stretches for seven miles. Clingmans dome is one of the highest points east of the mississippi at 6,643 and the tallest mountain in tennessee. Although clingmans dome is open yearround, the road leading to it is closed from december 1 through march 31, and whenever weather conditions require. Clingmans dome or clingmans dome is a mountain in the great smoky mountains of tennessee and north carolina, in the southeastern united states. The entrance to great smoky mountains national park is 56 miles from pigeon forge. Well off the beaten path, the witch tour gives visitors an opportunity to truly experience tennessee as it was created, wild and rugged dont forget.
Aug 22, 2017 great smoky mountains national park officials announced that the clingmans dome observation tower will be closed beginning wednesday, august 23 through the remainder of the 2017 season to complete rehabilitation work thanks to funding received from a partners in preservation pip grant. Clingmans dome has accessible parking but people think the observation tower is clingmans dome, it is not. Clingmans dome in gatlinburg, tn tennessee vacation. Pets and bicycles are not allowed on the trail or at the tower at clingmans dome. His veins run cold when he realizes whos been haunting the homestead all along. The observation tower on the summit of clingmans dome offers spectacular 360. Clingmans dome observation tower highest point in the great smoky mountains, on the border between north carolina and tennessee. Jun 18, 2012 clingmans dome in the great smoky mountains national park is the highest mountain in tennessee and the smokies. Temperatures at the dome can be 10 20 degrees cooler than in the surrounding lowlands. Rehabilitating the clingmans dome observation tower. Clingmans dome description clingmans dome is the highest peak in the great smoky mountains. The clingmans dome observation tower rises above the surrounding sprucefir forest into the starry autumn sky on saturday, nov.
Browse the amazon editors picks for the best books of 2019, featuring our. His veins run cold when he realizes whos been haunting the homestead all along duration. The trail is primarily used for walking, nature trips, and bird watching and is best used from april until november. It was designed by bebb and olson from knoxville, tn and was constructed by w. Observation tower atop clingmans dome, elevation 8642 feet, great smoky mountains national park.
It was designed by bebb and olson from knoxville, tn and. Spontaneity is a beautiful thing in my book, but i have learned over the years. Clingmans dome observation tower trail closed north. Enjoy the woodland forest as you delve into the stories and lore hidden in the hills for centuries. Observation tower atop clingmans dome, elevation 8642 feet. Over 20,000 sets of spice shakers reveal the surprisingly telling history of our most. In addition, the trail is too steep to allow wheelchair access.