Are you planning on doing the Clingmans Dome hike? Read this post first!
The Clingmans Dome hike is one of the most popular things to do in Great Smoky Mountain National Park. This hike takes you to the top of the highest peak in the Smoky Mountains, giving 360° views up to 100 miles!
The Clingmans Dome hike is a fun thing to do when visiting Gatlinburg, TN, or Asheville, NC. And it’s one of the best family-friendly hikes on the east coast.
We visited on one of the coldest days in November, but still had a great time. The views from the top can’t be beat!
The guide below shares everything you need to know before you visit Clingmans Dome in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Let’s dive in!
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Things to Know Before You Visit Clingmans Dome
Clingmans Dome is one of the most popular things to do in Great Smoky Mountain National Park. Be prepared for crowds when you visit!
Parking Passes
Beginning March 1st in, 2023, Great Smoky Mountains National Park will require parking passes for anyone parking more than 15 minutes. They are sold as daily, weekly, or annual passes. Learn more about the parking passes here.
Road Closure
The National Park Service closed the road to Clingmans Dome (Clingmans Dome Road) from December 1st through March 31st due to snow and ice. Depending on the weather, they may close the road during the normal “open” season. You can learn about them here.
Weather at Clingmans Dome
Clingmans Dome is the highest peak in the Smoky Mountains so the weather can be vastly different than when you enter the park.
It can be very windy, rainy, or foggy, and with temperatures about 10-20° cooler than lower areas in the park. If you’re visiting in the spring or fall, you’ll want to bring layers and rain gear with you.
You can learn about current weather conditions and views by visiting the National Park Service webcam.
Inclement weather could also cause the National Park Service to close Newfound Gap Road. Visit their Twitter page for the most up-to-date information about road closures.
Restrictions at Clingmans Dome
The National Park Service does not allow pets or bicycles on the paved path to the observation tower at Clingmans Dome. And although the half-mile path is paved, it is very steep and not considered wheelchair accessible.
While there are no restrictions on strollers due to the steepness of the path, it is advisable to use a carrier instead of pushing a stroller up the hill.
Sunrise or Sunset
When the road to Clingmans Dome is open, you can visit the trail any time. This makes it a great place to catch the sunrise or sunset. Remember to bring flashlights or headlamps with you.
Leave No Trace
Places like the Clingmans Dome Trail are popular with visitors, which can bring trash and other issues. We all need to do our part to keep our parks clean and enjoyable for all. Remember to pack out all trash (including those fruit peels), and leave behind what you found. Leave no trace so we all can enjoy these parks for years to come.
Directions to the Clingmans Dome Trail
Whether coming from Gatlinburg or Asheville, the only way to get to the Clingmans Dome parking lot and trail is by taking Newfound Gap Road to Clingmans Dome Road.
From either the Tennessee or North Carolina entrances, it’ll take about 25-30 minutes to reach Clingmans Dome Road and then another 15-20 minutes to reach the parking lot. Clingmans Dome Road is a 7-mile, windy road, so you’ll have to drive slowly. There are several scenic pullouts along the route.
Visitor Tip: Clingmans Dome Road is closed December 1st through March 31st
Parking at Clingmans Dome
There is a large parking lot at the top of Clingmans Dome. However, prepare for the parking to fill up quickly during the busiest times. Visitors may spend about 30-45 minutes at Clingmans Dome so that parking will change over at a reasonable pace.
If you are visiting during school breaks or summer, plan to arrive early to secure parking.
Clingmans Dome Bathrooms and Visitor Center
Bathrooms
There are three vault-toilet (non-flush) bathrooms at the parking lot at Clingmans Dome. All three are considered ADA-accessible. There is no running water, so hand sanitizer is provided. Of course, it never hurts to bring your own.
Visitor Center & Gift Shop
The Visitor Center at Clingmans Dome is at the start of the paved trail. You can get information about Clingmans Dome and the observation tower and purchase some souvenirs, small snacks, hats, and t-shirts.
Clingmans Dome Trail: What to Expect
- Trail Location: As mentioned above, the Clingmans Dome Trail begins at the Clingmans Dome parking lot
- Trail Length: Half-mile one way (1 mile total)
- Trail Difficulty: Moderate – The trail is paved but the incline makes it more difficult
The Trail to the Observation Tower
The Clingmans Dome Trail is not for the weary! Although the half-mile (one-way) trail is paved, it is also very steep. The elevation gain is over 300 feet, making the grade about 13%. There are several benches along the trail for visitors to stop and rest.
The grade is too steep to be considered wheelchair accessible. Pushing a stroller up the hill is also difficult, so you should use a carrier instead. Remember, the National Park Service does not allow bicycles or pets on the trail.
Clingmans Dome Observation Tower
The ramp to the Clingmans Dome Observation Tower is 375 feet long. Along the way, you’ll get glimpses of the fantastic view ahead of you.
At the top of Clingmans Dome Observation Tower, you’ll have 360° views of the surrounding area. You can easily see Gatlinburg from the top of the tower.
And on clear days, you’ll be able to see over 100 miles, which can include Tennessee, North Carolina, Kentucky, Georgia, and Virginia! However, most days, you might max out at 20 miles. Less if the weather is uncooperative.
Other Fun Facts About the Highest Peak in the Smoky Mountains
These are some fun things to know before you take the Clingmans Dome hike to the top.
- At 6643 feet in height, Clingmans Dome is the highest peak in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It’s also the highest point in Tennessee.
- The Clingmans Dome Observation Tower was built in 1959. The tower is 45 feet tall, and the ramp to the top is 375 feet long.
- The current tower replaced an old fire tower built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. It fell into disrepair in the 1950s and was torn down.
- Clingmans Dome was named for Thomas Clingman in 1859, who was the head of the surveying party that measured the height of the mountain. Before that, it was called Smokies Dome.
Where to Stay Near Clingmans Dome
Clingmans Dome is close to both Gatlinburg, Tennessee (about a 45-minute drive), and Asheville (about a 1.5-hour drive). So if you have a favorite hotel chain, they’ll have a location in Gatlinburg or Asheville. Many are close to the main road and attractions in Gatlinburg.
We recommend the Bent Creek Golf Village, about 15 minutes from downtown Gatlinburg. The resort rooms offer full kitchens and multiple sleeping spaces. And the resort itself has several amenities, like a basketball court and indoor and outdoor swimming pools.
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