Clingmans Dome is said to be the most visited State Highpoint. Located in Great Smokey Mountains National Park, the 360 degree view from the iconic observation area is visited by millions each year. During my visit, I would not see anyone. The road was closed due to ice and I had to hike/run the 7.5 miles each way. I also arrived at the gate one hour before sunset, hence my pictures are in the last possible light of day. Clingmans Dome is the highest point of the Appalachian Trail and third highest mountain east of the Mississippi. Originally known as Smoky Dome, Clingmans Dome was renamed for Thomas Lanier Clingman (1812-1897), who was a United States senator representing North Carolina from 1858 until the beginning of the Civil War. During the Civil War he attained the rank of brigadier general.
State Highpointing
Elevation: 6,643 feet
Elevation gain: 330 feet
Access: Half-mile on paved trail
Clingmans Dome - Tennessee Highpoint
Highway 441 crosses Great Smokey Mountains National Park. Clingmans Dome Road branches off at Newfound Gap going 7 miles to the Forney Ridge Parking Area. It is then a 0.5 mile hike up a wide paved path. Clingmans Dome Road is usually open from April to November 30 unless ice or snow close it.
Access
Forney Ridge Parking Area
Clingmans Dome Trail
Sunset from the parking area
Remaining light from the summit
Night view
Observation tower and moon
Arriving at the summit in the dark