| At 6,643-feet high, Clingmans Dome isn't just the | | | | 300 species of animals. White-tailed deer and |
| highest point in the Smoky Mountains...it's the | | | | rabbits along with raccoons and other interesting |
| highest point in the entire state of Tennessee. As | | | | creatures can be found throughout your journey. |
| a matter of fact, it's second only to Mount Mitchell | | | | Remember to put your food in your backpack or |
| in having the highest mountain peak east of the | | | | a trashcan because feeding the animals is strictly |
| Mississippi. Believe it or not, on a clear day you | | | | prohibited. |
| can stand at the Dome's observation tower and | | | | Make sure you dress appropriately for your walk. |
| see over 100 miles and seven states. That's quite | | | | Comfortable shoes are a must. In mountainous |
| a view. Even on a cloudy day the view is over 20 | | | | areas temperatures decrease as your altitude |
| miles in any direction. It's like standing on a cloud | | | | increases. It is likely to be 10 to 20 degrees cooler |
| and looking out over the world. | | | | at the top than at the bottom. With that in mind, |
| The road leading to Clingmans Dome stretches | | | | it's a good idea to dress in layers. Snow is a |
| for seven miles. Along the way you'll find several | | | | possibility anytime from September to May, and |
| spots where you can pull off and enjoy the view. | | | | cool winds are very common as you reach the |
| For the hiker, pick up one of the trails that cross | | | | summit. Due to the unpredictable weather, |
| paths with this road. One of these is the | | | | Clingmans Dome Road is closed from the first of |
| well-known Appalachian Trail, which stretches | | | | December through the end of March. The |
| from Georgia to Maine. The highest point of this | | | | breathtaking colors of the autumn leaves, |
| trail is found at Clingmans Dome Road. | | | | however, make fall a wonderful time to visit this |
| Take a Picnic and Make a Day of It | | | | amazing site. |
| If you're adventurous, make your way to the | | | | Want to add a romantic twist? Try watching the |
| 54-foot observation tower. Clingmans Dome Road | | | | sunrise or sunset from Clingmans Dome. That |
| ends at a very large parking lot just half a mile | | | | picnic blanket you're carrying could keep you |
| from the tower. The trail to the top is paved and | | | | warm, as you snuggle together and enjoy some |
| very steep. Leave your car in the parking lot, | | | | exceptional views. |
| grab your picnic basket and spend the day | | | | A daytrip to Clingmans Dome is very affordable. |
| enjoying the scenery. There are bathrooms and | | | | The beauty of this nature wonderland is |
| benches along the way, should you need them. | | | | absolutely free. There's no cost for admission to |
| You'll also find plenty of spots perfectly suited for | | | | the Smoky Mountains National Park or to the |
| laying out your blanket and enjoying lunch. Take in | | | | observation tower at Clingmans Dome. |
| some food, then make your way up the hill to | | | | You won't believe it until you see it for yourself, |
| discover the view of a lifetime. | | | | so grab your camera and picnic and head to the |
| As you walk, keep your eyes open for native | | | | Smoky Mountains. The view doesn't get any |
| wildlife. The Smoky Mountains are home to over | | | | better than this. |
