Hiking to Clingmans Dome in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park

Hiking to Clingmans Dome: The Climb You Didn’t Expect

Visitors to Appalachia will love exploring the Great Smoky National Park—especially the bucket list activity of hiking to Clingmans Dome. Located on the border of Tennessee and North Carolina, this park is one of the most popular national parks in America and is always free to enter. The highest point in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park is Clingmans Dome. At 6,643 feet above sea level, it’s a favorite place for hikers and park goers looking to experience some of the best views in the park.

The mountains to sea trail and the Appalachian trail both run past Clingmans Dome, making it a very popular place to stop for those hiking the Appalachian Trail. Most of the year, the hike to Clingmans Dome is only 1 mile round-trip—but it is very steep as you make your way uphill to the top. The views are well worth it, though—some of the best you’ll get in the park, especially for such a short hike.

Let’s explore how to hike to Clingmans Dome year-round, including in the winter months, and what you can expect to experience and see along the way.

Whether you’re taking the steep half-mile paved path or wandering one of the scenic trails to the top, hiking to Clingmans Dome is an unforgettable experience. While you’re reading, you may find affiliate links to products I truly believe in. If you decide to purchase through these links, you can help me earn a small commission at no cost to you. 

• Hiking to Clingmans Dome in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park
• Where is Clingmans Dome?
• How Long Does It Take To Hike To Clingmans Dome?
• How Much Does It Cost To Hike Clingmans Dome?
• Can You Drive Up To Clingmans Dome?
• What is the Clingmans Dome Observation Tower?
• What is the weather like in Clingmans Dome?
• What Will I See On The Hike To Clingmans Dome?
• What is the best time to visit the Smoky mountains?
• How long does it take to drive through Smoky mountain national park?
• Visiting the Great Smoky Mountains
• The Smokies’ Highest Peak

Where Is Clingmans Dome?

Clingmans Dome is the highest point of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, which straddles the border of Tennessee and North Carolina. The Clingmans Dome Road runs from Newfound Gap Road (US-441) to the Clingmans Dome Observation Tower. This road is closed every year from December to March due to snow and ice creating dangerous driving conditions at this elevation.

If you are visiting during the winter months, you can still hike in on Clingmans Dome Road, but keep in mind that it will be a much longer hike (15 miles round trip compared to 1 mile during the rest of the year).

What Is the Clingmans Dome Observation Tower?

The observation tower at Clingmans Dome was built in 1959. It offers 360-degree views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. On a clear day, you can even see seven states from its vantage point! The observation deck has an elevation of 6,546 feet.

On the way up, the trail passes by stands of spruce fir trees, which are only found at high elevations in the Smoky Mountains. 

SEE WHAT IT’S LIKE TO HIKE TO CLINGMANS DOME IN WINTER 

How Long Does Hiking to Clingmans Dome Take?

Several trails will lead you to Clingmans Dome, and each one varies in length to determine how long it takes to hike to Clingmans Dome. By far, the most popular (and shortest) hiking trail to Clingmans Dome is just over a mile round-trip and takes about 30 minutes to get to the top, or one hour to finish. It’s considerated a moderate hike because although it’s short and paved, there are some very steep areas on the walkway to the top. 

The hike should only take about 30 minutes to get to the observation tower, but plan for a little extra time to sit and rest on the benches so helpfully placed at intervals on the way up. 

If you’re looking for a more challenging hike, be sure to check out the Forney Ridge Trail. It crosses Clingmans Dome and offers some of the best views in the park. The Forney Ridge Trails leads you right to the Clingmans Dome Trail, so it’s perfect for those that want a more challenging hike but still want to visit Clingmans Dome.

How Much Does Hiking to Clingmans Dome Cost?

There is no entrance fee to visit Smoky Mountains National Park, which is rare in the National Park System. This park is free because of a deed restriction on Newfound Gap Road, which is the only paved road in Smoky Mountains National Park and runs from Tennessee to North Carolina.

Can You Drive Up to Clingmans Dome?

You can drive up to the Clingmans Dome Observation Tower parking lot between April and November, where you can walk the short trail up to the top. Clingmans Dome Road is closed from December to March each year. If you are visiting in the winter, you will have to hike 15 miles round-trip to get to the Dome.

In the spring, the road opens up, and you can drive up to the parking area, which is approximately a half-mile from the observation tower. Driving from Gatlinburg or Cherokee will take about 45 minutes to an hour to get to the Clingmans Dome parking area at the top of the park.

Note: The trail to Clingmans Dome is paved and very accessible for people with disabilities, but it is steep in some areas, so make sure you wear comfortable shoes or hiking boots if possible. There are several overlooks along the way where hikers and drivers can stop and take in the views.

Weather at Clingmans Dome

The weather at Clingmans Dome can vary drastically from the lower elevations of Smoky Mountains National Park. If you’re visiting during spring or fall, expect temperatures to be much cooler than in town. The temperature also changes throughout the day, so make sure you bring layers even if it doesn’t feel like a cold morning. Be prepared for wind and rain any time of year.

The Smoky Mountains are notoriously foggy during certain times of the year, and visibility at Clingmans Dome can be minimal. Make sure you check the weather forecast before you go and come prepared for all types of weather. You can check Smoky Mountain road conditions here.

What Is the Best Time to Visit Clingmans Dome?

The Smoky Mountains and views from Clingmans Dome are beautiful year-round, but the best time to visit really depends on what you’re looking for. Fall is generally one of the best times to visit the park, but can see large crowds that arrive for leaf-peeping. The park is actually at its busiest during the summer months, and springtime offers some of the most stunning wildflower displays. If you’re looking for cooler temperatures, fall is a great time to visit—the leaves begin changing color in mid-October and stay vibrant through November.

Check out my RV Guide to the Smoky Mountains if traveling by camper and my full guide to the park for more travel information.

How Long Does It Take to Drive Through Great Smoky Mountains National Park?

There are over 400 miles of road in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. However, Newfound Gap Road is the only fully-paved road in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It can take up to an hour and a half to drive from end to end and you’ll want to stop often at the many overlooks to enjoy the views.

Hiking Clingmans Dome: An Unforgettable Experience

Home to the largest and most intact spruce-fir forest left in the US, visiting the Great Smoky Mountains is a great treat for anyone looking for an outdoor adventure on the East Coast. With over 800 miles of hiking trails and the famous Clingmans Dome Observation Tower to experience, there’s something for everyone—whether you’re looking to explore the Smoky Mountains backcountry or take a leisurely stroll on a paved trail.

The park is also home to some of the best wildlife viewing in the country, so make sure to keep your eyes peeled for black bears, elk, and deer. Hiking to Clingmans Dome is a must-do for all Smoky Mountains National Park visitors. The 1-mile hike offers 360-degree views of the surrounding area and is the perfect spot to take in the park’s beauty. Will you be hiking Clingmans Dome this hiking season? I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!

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