CLINGMANS DOME. NORTH CAROLINA TENNESSEE. HERE, THERE & EVERYWHERE Acorn Hill

CLINGMANS DOME. NORTH CAROLINA TENNESSEE. HERE, THERE & EVERYWHERE Acorn Hill
CLINGMANS DOME. NORTH CAROLINA TENNESSEE. HERE, THERE & EVERYWHERE Acorn Hill
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#leavenotrace

At 6,643 feet, Clingmans Dome is the highest point in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It is the highest point in Tennessee, and the third highest mountain east of the Mississippi. Only Mt. Mitchell (6,684 feet) and Mt. Craig (6,647), both located in Mt. Mitchell State Park in western North Carolina, rise higher. The observation tower on the summit of Clingmans Dome offers spectacular 360° views of the Smokies and beyond for visitors willing to climb the steep half-mile walk to the tower at the top

Clouds, precipitation, and cold temperatures are common at Clingmans Dome. Temperatures at the dome can be 10-20 degrees Fahrenheit cooler than in the surrounding lowlands. In fact, the cool, wet conditions on Clingmans Dome's summit make the spruce-fir forest that grows there a coniferous rainforest. Proper preparation is essential for a good visit. Dress in layers and be sure to bring a jacket, even in summer.

Besides the trail to the summit, there are several trails that start from the Clingmans Dome Road and parking area. The Appalachian Trail (AT) crosses Clingmans Dome, marking the highest point along its journey from Georgia to Maine. The Forney Ridge Trail leads to Andrews Bald, a high-elevation grassy bald.

Directions: 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.

CLINGMANS DOME. NORTH CAROLINA TENNESSEE. HERE, THERE & EVERYWHERE Acorn Hill