Sunset at Clingman's Dome

📌 Highest Peak of  Great Smoky Mountain National Park

We went to Clingman's Dome to watch sunset for the first time. You have to hike to get there, its a steep and tough hike up but only about 1/2 mile so with frequent stops it can be done. We are both  in decent shape but had to stop several times just to catch our breathe. There are  number of benches , rocks, along the trail for you to rest so it's not that bad. The hike down is a breeze!

Once you get to the top the hike is well worth it. We saw a layer of cloud in front of us, somewhat like cotton candy, with mountain peaks peeking out above the layer. Felt like at the top of the world.

Who doesn't enjoy Smokies sunset? The sight is even more rewarding when you hike to a destination with a spectacular view.

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10 comments Clingman's Dome, Great Smoky Mountain National Park, Hiking Trails, Mountain, Summer Getaway, Tennessee, Tennessee State National Park

The Observation Tower of Clingman's Dome

This is my second post for our Clingman's Dome experience at the Great Smoky Mountain. From the time we move to Tennessee we became a fond of hiking. We hike pretty much on local trails near to we're we live. We were looking forward to some hiking in the mountains and wanted a challenge. Looked over maps and chose the Appalachian Trail which picks up just below Clingman's Dome. The views, trail and scenery did not disappoint us. The amazing change in weather from the bottom to the top was like watching fall turn to winter in an hour. Leaves were blowing everywhere, clouds were coming up the side of the mountain and surrounding us. The temperature dropped to 42 F from 68 F at the bottom. It was ominous and gorgeous all at once. We parked at the top for the walk to the dome. The wind was gusting up to 30-35 MPH, felt like a cold tropical storm. The top was covered in clouds, amazing! This is a wide paved trail that goes up steeply in spots. The air was quite thin for us too. We hiked for almost 2 hours including the stay at the top, an amazing experience.

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20 comments Clingman's Dome, Family Attractions, Great Smoky Mountain National Park, Shades of Autumn, Tennessee, Tennessee State National Park

Spectacular view at Clingman's Dome

Late October of this year as we drove to the dome the temperature continued to drop and we began to see areas of foggy on the mountain tops. It was our first time here and it was definitely a must see. The scenery on the way up is great, month of October is a good time to see the fall colors anywhere. At 6,643 feet, Clingman's Dome is the highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. And the third highest mountain east of the Mississippi. 

Clingmans Dome is one of the best places in the Smokies to watch a sunrise or sunset. The hiking trail is steep but smooth paved walkway . Good thing they have few benches to stop and catch our breath many times over. At the top they have built an interesting structure that gets you above the treeline and gives you the best view from inside the park. The observation tower  provides a spectacular 360 degree panoramic view of the park. On a clear day  like this you could see forever. On our way down there are pathways that are the actual Appalachian trail. We chose to walk a small portion of it. What else can I say. Even our  pictures don't do it justice.

The view from the parking lot

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11 comments Clingman's Dome, Great Smoky Mountain National Park, Hiking Trails, Shades of Autumn, Tennessee, Tennessee State National Park