Clingmans Dome

Clingmans Dome is the highest point in Tennessee, and the highest point along the Appalachian Trail.
Clingmans Dome is the highest point in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
A paved road, closed in winter (December 1 through March 31), runs to the summit.
The concrete observation tower offers a panoramic view.
Clingmans Dome is currently protected as part of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Routes

Summit Trail

48 summits • 1.3 mi • 343 ft gain • 1 hr 18 min

Appalachian Trail Northbound

5 summits • 5.2 mi • 1,140 ft gain • 2 hr 31 min

Clingmans Dome 2.1 mi route

1 summit • 2.1 mi • 344 ft gain • 1 hr 21 min

Clingmans Dome 24.9 mi route

1 summit • 24.9 mi • 5,555 ft gain • 8 hr 29 min

Clingmans Dome 3.5 mi route

1 summit • 3.6 mi • 711 ft gain • 2 hr 15 min

Clingmans Dome 5.6 mi route

1 summit • 5.6 mi • 969 ft gain • 2 hr 58 min

Clingmans Dome 5.6 mi route

1 summit • 5.7 mi • 1,112 ft gain • 2 hr 29 min

Clingmans Dome 8.0 mi route

1 summit • 8.0 mi • 827 ft gain • 3 hr 5 min

Latest summits

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"“Rest day” today. 🤣 Drove out to Clingman’s Dome road in SMNP. Hiked the icy paved trail up to the observation tower with hundreds of folks. Picked up the AT to head down via Mount Buckley and snagged Andrew’s Bald before hitting the Clingman’s visitor center and motoring up to Pigeon Forge to catch Dolly Parton’s Stampede." — wiweasel • Nov 23, 2023

"I've been to clingmans so many times. This was my first time seeing the sunrise. It was a very powerful experience. We hiked Andrew's bald right after. The hike is short and steep, but that's just from the parking lot. If you hike the AP I'm sure it's a diffrent story. " — MonMonKack • Jun 17, 2023

"Purchased and printed GSMNP parking permit before departure using link at GSMNP Challenge. Arrived at noon with plenty of parking available. Gina and I hiked the bypass trail to the AT to Mount Buckley then to Clingmans Dome and the asphalt trail back to the parking lot. On the bypass trail I worked slowly through elevation sickness around 6400 ft without having to go back down." — davidensley • Apr 24, 2023

"Long line of traffic driving up to the parking lot, so we turned around to park on the other side of the road and walked the rest of the way, then continued on to the paved summit trail. Very crowded up there, but great views of the Smokies from the top." — jodola • Oct 4, 2022

"State high point 23. I'm from Tennessee. I did not like this high point. I don't like mountains where large amounts of people can drive up (Mt Mitchell for example). I did the Buckley to Observation tower loop trail which was a nice end to the day. The tower itself is covered in discarded water bottles and trash. First world problems, I know , but not impressed with the people of my home state. " — puddlepirate • Sep 28, 2021

"I hiked this peak the day before, but it was incredibly foggy so I decided to come back the next day. I completed this hike solo. If you are doing this hike during the summer, get to the trailhead very early. It is not uncommon for the parking lot to be completely full by 8:00 am. The trail to the summit is 0.5-miles long and is completely paved. The trail has a somewhat steep incline but is not too difficult. The gradient is approximately 13%. There are several benches along the trail, so you can easily find somewhere to rest if needed. The actual summit is at the top of an observation tower. On a clear day, you can see up to 100 miles away. When I hiked to the summit this time, it was much clearer. I got to see what I missed the day before. Overall, this is a fun hike--especially if you can beat the crowds." — Noodles • Aug 5, 2021

"This was an easy hike to the highest point in Tennessee. I completed this hike solo. If you are doing this hike during the summer, get to the trailhead very early. It is not uncommon for the parking lot to be completely full by 8:00 am. The trail to the summit is 0.5-miles long and is completely paved. The trail has a somewhat steep incline but is not too difficult. The gradient is approximately 13%. There are several benches along the trail, so you can easily find somewhere to rest if needed. The actual summit is at the top of an observation tower. On a clear day, you can see up to 100 miles away. When I hiked to the summit, it was incredibly foggy and rainy. I actually enjoyed this a lot because I think of this exact kind of weather when I hear "The Great Smoky Mountains". Overall, this is a fun hike--especially if you can beat the crowds." — Noodles • Aug 4, 2021

"Hiked to peak on paved trail on this date and also on two separate occasions many years ago, dates uncertain. The first time the view was clear, and the second time it was cloudy. Recall having to slow down to catch my breath at this high elevation." — davidensley • Apr 6, 2021

"Parked at the lot near the summit and hiked short, steep (but paved) trail to summit. Watched sunset from the observation deck and was able to get in some steps on the AT on the way down." — bruno-osb • Jun 28, 2020

"After a fitful night, hearing animals around my car, I woke up early and headed up Clingmans Dome Rd. to the Visitor Center. It was cloudy, cool and windy at the pkg. lot so I put long pants on, a decision I would regret soon enough. The 1/2 mile paved tourist path is steep, no walk in the park and the guy I travelled with wasn't in good shape. Anyway when we arrived at Clingman's observation tower there was no wind and the clouds started breaking up. Looked in vain for a summit marker for my 5th HP this trip. Then headed down to hike along the A.T. for a while, first NB to Mt. Love, then SB to Mt. Buckley." — SteveM_StickMan • Jun 26, 2020