Adventures in
Great Smoky Mountain National Park
At 6,643 feet, Clingmans Dome is Great Smoky Mountains National Park’s highest point. It is the highest point in Tennessee, and the second highest point east of the Mississippi. Only North Carolina’s Mt. Mitchell (6,684 feet) rises higher.
Clingmans Dome is a popular Park destination. Located along the state-line ridge, it is half in North Carolina and half in Tennessee. The peak is accessible after driving Clingmans Dome Road from Newfound Gap, and then walking a steep half-mile trail. The paved trail leads to a 54-foot observation tower. The Appalachian Trail crosses Clingmans Dome, marking the highest point along its 2,144 mile journey.
Vistas from the tower are spectacular. On clear, sunny days, views expand over 100 miles and into seven states. However, air pollution limits average viewing distances to 22 miles. Despite this handicap, breathtaking scenes delight those walking to the top of the tower.
We walked back down to the parking lot to was the sunset. Even though there were some dark rain clouds moving in, we still got a few nice shots of the sun shinning through. Clingmans Dome is open to the public after 6:00 pm. Only the visitor center is closed. The road leading up to Clingmans Dome does close for the winter.
The golden rays from the sun brightened up the mountain ridge.
We give this excursion a ……..
Dream Big, Travel Far, Live Well…
What’s Next?
More Great Smokey Mountain National Park adventures!
Enjoying our Photography?
If you enjoy our photography, you can view and purchase from our Fine Art America site. Please check us out for featured nature photography from Florida to the Pacific Northwest.
Nspired Adventures 