Rising to an elevation of 6,643 feet, Clingmans Dome is the highest point in the Smokies, Tennessee, and the third highest of the Southern Sixers. The paved trail to the 54 foot observation tower offers unparalleled views and is one of the shortest trails in the area, making this one of the most visited areas in the park. If you’re looking for solitude, look elsewhere.

Look for the 7 mile access road to Clingmans Dome just after Newfound Gap if coming from Gatlinburg. This road is closed from December 1 through March 31 and when there is particularly bad weather. If hiking in fall or early spring, call ahead to make sure the road is open. The large parking lot immediately tells you how much traffic this summit sees. Restrooms are available at the parking lot and just up the trail is an information center and store. But you don’t have to wait for the views; the parking area is home to massive views to the southwest, including Fontana Lake.

Although the paved trail is only .5 miles to the base of the observation tower, it gains 360 feet over the short distance. This is steep by most standards. Benches are available for those that need a break. As you climb, the view from the parking lot gets better and better, but only hints at the views to come. Just before reaching the observation tower, a couple of side trails split off to the left, connecting with the Appalachian Trail that passes nearby. This is the highest point along the entire AT, stretching from Georgia to Maine.

The 54 foot spiral observation tower at the summit of Clingmans Dome is the real reward. Taking the hiker above the surrounding trees, the tower offers expansive 360° views. From here, you can see Gatlinburg, Cherokee, Mt. LeConte, Thunderhead Mountain, and even Mount Pisgah and Cold Mountain in Pisgah National Forest. Information signs for each cardinal direction help locate notable peaks and other points of interest.