Hike to Clingmans Dome
1 Miles
Chillin, Photography, Hiking
Beginner
Year Round
Out-and-Back
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.
Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations.
Nearby Lodging
Reviews
Overall rating:
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!
Check visibility before you make the drive!
We literally could not see a thing from the tower due to fog. Wouldn’t call it a hike, just a walk up a steep sidewalk. Lots of people!
