Hike to Clingmans Dome
Clingmans Dome Trailhead - Search Nearby - 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.
1 Miles RT
Out-and-Back
Chillin, Photography, Hiking
Nearby Lodging
Community Photos
We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!
Reviews
Overall rating:
Overcrowded, but beautiful views of the mountains
Clingmans Dome boasts some of the best views of the Smoky Mountains, however, this is also an extremely crowded and popular trail. I would highly recommend you begin in the early morning and catch the sunrise or the early evening and catch the sunset. There will also be less people on the trail at these times, allowing for easier parking and a more enjoyable experience at the top. This trail is wheelchair and stroller friendly, well-paved and well-maintained, but very steep in some parts. Be sure to pack water and your camera and have fun!
Must go on the clearest day
We had no indication that we wouldn’t be able to see anything, the skies were clear on the way up from gatlinburg. The drive up the road is amazing in itself, even if from the top there is little visibility. Crowded, but there is a restroom and store.
Amazing View for Sunrise
We woke up @3:30am to dive there and view and Photograph the sunrise over the mountains! It was amazing watching the fog dance around in the soft sunlight!
