Clingmans Dome is one of the best places to view the beautiful changing colors of the fall foliage. Starting in early October thru the end of the month is best. Clingmans Dome is the highest point in the Great Smokey Mountains and Tennessee with an elevation of 6643 feet. On a clear day the spectacular view from Clingmans Dome provides the sightseer with the opportunity to see the five surrounding states of Kentucky, Georgia, South and North Carolina, and Tennessee all in one place.
Clingmans Dome
Traveling amid the Great Smokey Mountains on Highway 441 offers one of the most scenic state crossings in the Eastern United States. Almost exactly halfway through the Great Smokey Mountains National Park, Tennessee and North Carolina’s state lines are crossed on this road. At this spot a seven mile departure off of the main route of Newfound Gap (441) can be taken to access the Clingmans Dome Observation Tower. The road offers many magnificent overlooks along the way, but saves the best,Clingmans Dome Road, for last.
Arriving at the dead end of Clingmans Dome Road and into the parking area, the amazing panoramic views come alive. Although a traveler is already at 6311 feet, there is an opportunity for those who wish to go even higher. A paved, but rather steep trail guides the hiker past the visitor’s center and then another half mile to the peak of 6643 feet. On the peak is a concrete observation tower which once climbed provides a complete all-encompassing look at the endless Smokey Mountains.
Great Smokey Mountains
The bluish mist noticed much of the time embracing the mountains gives the Great Smokey Mountains their name. This haze is caused by hydrocarbon being naturally produced and released by the trees of the area. Some of these forests located in the Great Smokey Mountains National Park are part of the largest virgin stands left in the United States.
The beauty of the land is added by sightings of the abundant wildlife living in the range. Along with deer, fox, elk, and bobcats, black bears are often seen along the roads. Horseback and foot trails leading deeper within undisturbed areas and streams will allow sightseers to witness an incredible diverse collection of nature.
Highest Point of Appalachian Trail
One of these trails winding across the ridges of the Smokey Mountains is the Appalachian Trail. This trail begins in Georgia and extends all the way to Maine. The highest point of the trail is at Clingmans Dome. Trail markers are noticed near the observation tower and a few hikers may be seen taking a break while enjoying the fall foliage here.
Visiting Clingmans Dome for the Fall Foliage
Whether beginning from the south on highway 441 in the town of Cherokee, North Carolina or from the north at Gatlinburg, Tennessee, Clingmans Dome Road is open for visitors from April thru November, weather permitting. An alternative route if coming from Asheville, North Carolina is driving through the Cherokee Indian Reservation via the Blue Ridge Parkway. The Blue Ridge Parkway has many stone tunnels adding to the charming scenery.
Although a great view anytime of the year, visiting Clingmans Dome during the peak of fall foliage offers an array of bright oranges, dark reds, and brilliant yellows. An appreciation for the fall foliage certainly can be easily recognized from the vantage point of either the parking area’s vistas or from the observation tower at Clingmans Done. The magnificence of nature displays its splendor here and passes with flying colors.
Jenny,
You were in my backyard and never stop to say Hey!? Enjoyed the write up and your words describing the area. But like most scenic places, you need to be there to fully encompass it all. Next time your in neighborhood give a shout out… Coffees on me.
Did you say, COFFEE….. lol….one of my weaknesses…..
I’ll remember that….I really want to get down there and do some Gem Mining again (was there last year, not this year yet)…… And I want to buy and bring home buckets of dirt form the mines for Christmas gifts (I’ll be sure to add a treasure or two myself in them for guarantee finds)…but hey, to have them search and find ‘treasure’…..I love the smiles it gives….! They love their buckets of dirt! 🙂
It’s a beautiful area. You are lucky to live there!
Nice view, I hope to someday travel the East Coast and see the sights, I have done the West coast already. I worked in Pennsylvania and West Virginia for a spell but I would just fly in do my job and fly home two weeks later. I do remember the colors are magnificent when the tree leaves start to turn.
As a kid growing up the changing leaves represented a long school year and carrying firewood. I dreaded both with a passion. Now the changing leaves bring back fond memories of school and carrying firewood. Isn’t life funny that way? Thanks for another great story Jenny.
Very beautiful thanks for the share Jenny. I will check this out if I am ever nearby.
ACE
Oh, how I wish I was back home during this time. Living in the countryside of New York, the brilliant reds, yellows and golds from the Sugar Maples were my favorite. Still are. Shuffling my feet amongst the fallen leaves and hearing the shuffle and crunch under feet. The smell of leaf piles burning. Crisp apples hanging from trees, waiting to be picked. But those colors… (Sigh.)