Clingmans Dome Observation Tower

Discover Clingmans Dome: The Highest Peak in the Smokies

Rising to 6,643 feet, Clingmans Dome stands as the highest point in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and offers breathtaking panoramic views unlike any other location in the region. On a clear day, visitors may see as many as seven states stretching across the horizon. Even if you’re short on time, the drive alone offers scenic rewards, and the vistas from the parking area are unforgettable.

Planning Your Visit

Due to the elevation, temperatures at Clingmans Dome can be significantly cooler—often up to 20 degrees lower than those at the park’s base. Weather conditions can change rapidly, so it's wise to check the latest forecasts and road conditions on the National Park Service website before setting out. For up-to-date visitor information, stop by the Sugarlands Visitor Center near Gatlinburg.

The Scenic Drive

With over 380 miles of scenic roads, the Smokies are ideal for exploration by car. The drive to Clingmans Dome is a journey in itself. Accessible from both the northern and southern entrances of the park, the route includes pull-offs and historic landmarks, making it easy to pause and take in the surroundings.

Traveling along Newfound Gap Road (U.S. Highway 441), you’ll ascend nearly 3,000 feet through a variety of forest ecosystems. This route is often compared to a drive from Georgia to Maine due to the diverse plant life that changes with the elevation. Be sure to stop at the Newfound Gap Overlook for a truly iconic Smoky Mountains view.

At the Summit

Once at the top, the Clingmans Dome parking area reveals sweeping mountain views that can extend for 100 miles on a clear day. The summit is a highlight for photographers and nature lovers alike, offering a unique vantage point over the surrounding Appalachian landscape. From this high-altitude perch, it's sometimes possible to see parts of Tennessee, North Carolina, Kentucky, Virginia, South Carolina, Alabama, and Mississippi.

Please note that the seven-mile road to the summit is closed to vehicles from December through March due to winter conditions, though the observation tower remains accessible to hikers year-round.

For those up to the challenge, a steep but paved half-mile trail leads to the top of the observation tower. While the path is short, its incline can be strenuous, and it is not classified as wheelchair accessible.

Additional Trails and Hidden Gems

If the parking area is crowded or you're looking to extend your adventure, there are excellent nearby trails to explore. One popular option is the moderate hike to Andrews Bald, a high-elevation grassy meadow offering expansive views—ideal for a quiet picnic.

For a shorter, lesser-known experience, consider the Spruce-Fir Trail. Located at mile marker 2.7, this easy 1/3-mile loop introduces visitors to the boreal forests typically found in far northern climates. Though not marked on standard park maps, this peaceful path provides an excellent opportunity to experience the unique ecology of the Smokies without the crowds.

Also see our guides to Gatlinburg Hiking Trails, and our Smoky Mountains map page, as well as more outdoor ideas in our Smoky Mountains Activities guide. Check out our Things to Do in the Smoky Mountains guide as well and the all-important, Things to Do in Gatlinburg With Kids. And remember we have cabins all over the area, so pick your vacation headquarters from our Wears Valley cabins, our Pigeon Forge rental cabins and our Gatlinburg cabins – and if you’re bringing a pet check our updated list of pet friendly cabins in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge.