Clingmans Dome
Bryson City, North Carolina
Details
Distance
1.23 miles
Route Type
Out-and-Back
Description
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.
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Reviews
A short distance but very strenuous. (Feels like a lot longer than .5 mile) Paved all the way with many spots to stop and rest along the way. The views are well worth the work it takes to get to the top! A must if you're going to the Smoky's!
5.0
This hike is always busy but it is always worth it. A true 360 degree view of the smokies. The sunrises from here are amazing so be sure to check it out.
5.0
For anyone going to GSMNP, this is the best “summit” experience you will have. A nice hike that gets your blood flowing followed by a unreal view from the top.
5.0
Views are breath-taking,,,and so is the hike up to it sometimes..but not too bad. My only suggestion is some port-a- potties along the way because I did see some going in the woods to....well, you know!
4.0
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!
3.0
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.
2.0
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!
5.0
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!
4.0
The views are great but because of how easy it is to access you will also see a lot of people
3.0
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Nearby
Andrews Bald
Clingmans Dome Loop
Backpack the Forney Creek Loop
Myrtle Point via Alum Cave
Hike Charlies Bunion
Catch a Sunrise at Newfound Gap
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