At 6,643 feet, Clingmans Dome has the distinction of being the highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains. It is also the third highest mountain east of the Mississippi. A half mile walk up the observation tower on the summit of Clingman’s Dome gives visitors a breathtaking view of the Smokies and the surrounding area. On clear days views can reach over 100 miles. However, air pollution often restricts viewing distances to less than 20 miles.

To reach Clingmans Dome you’ll take 441 through the park and turn off .1 miles south of Newfound Gap onto the Clingmans Dome road.

Clingmans Dome is open year-round but the seven-mile road leading to it is closed from December 1 through March 1. Poor weather conditions can also close the road at anytime. Clingmans Dome Road provides visitors numerous spots to stop along the way for incredible views of the mountain vistas. The road ends in a large parking area, a very popular gathering spot for witnessing beautiful Smoky Mountain sunsets. From the parking area a paved, half-mile trail leads to the observation tower on the summit.

The weather at Clingmans Dome can vary greatly from lower elevations. It’s not uncommon for the temperature to be as much as 20 degrees cooler than down below and often accompanied by clouds and precipitation. Even in the warmer months it’s a good idea to have a jacket handy when you visit Clingman’s Dome, making it a great place to escape the heat of an Appalachian summer. No matter what time of year though, Clingmans Dome is a wonderful location to visit on your Smoky Mountain vacation.