Clingmans Dome
Bryson City, NC
The highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains, reached by a steep paved path to a spiral observation ramp.
At 2,025 m (6,643 feet), Kuwohi, officially called Clingmans Dome until September 2024, is the highest peak in the Great Smoky Mountains, the highest point in Tennessee and the highest point on the entire Appalachian Trail. The Cherokee name means "mulberry place." A concrete observation tower about 14 m (45 feet) tall has stood on the summit since 1959, reached by a spiral ramp about 114 m (375 feet) long with a 12 percent grade. On clear days you can see up to 160 km (100 miles); on hazy days only about 30 km (20 miles).
The access road, about 11 km (7 miles) long, branches off at Newfound Gap and is closed in winter. From the parking area, a steep paved path climbs about 800 m (half a mile) to the tower; allow about an hour including breaks. Around the summit you will see many dead Fraser firs, killed by the invasive balsam woolly adelgid.
- Nearest town
- Bryson City, NC
- Category
- Scenic viewpoints
- GPS
- 35.5628, -83.4985
- Editor's pick
- ★
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in April, July–August and October. Cold, short days in January. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Photo by The AIRDEEz on UnsplashThe Blue Ridge Parkway, end to end
Photo by Kirk Thornton on UnsplashGreat Smoky Mountains and the Tail of the Dragon
© Nicolas Raymond from Bethesda, Maryland, USA · CC BY 2.0Blue mountains, golden autumn – along Skyline Drive and the Blue Ridge Parkway into the Great Smoky Mountains
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Deep Creek CampgroundCampsite8 mi from Clingmans DomeTentsCaravansDrinking waterToiletsWaste disposalWi-Fi
- Country Girls RV ParkMotorhome stopover10 mi from Clingmans DomeMotorhomesElectricityWi-Fi
- Cherokee / Great Smokies KOA HolidayMotorhome stopover12 mi from Clingmans Dome · 514 pitchesMotorhomesElectricityWaste disposalWi-Fi
- River Valley CampgroundMotorhome stopover13 mi from Clingmans Dome · 160 pitchesMotorhomesElectricityWaste disposal
- Happy Holiday RV VillageMotorhome stopover16 mi from Clingmans DomeMotorhomesElectricityWaste disposal
- Cataloochee CampgroundCampsite24 mi from Clingmans DomeTentsCaravansDrinking waterToilets
All campsites in North Carolina · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Clingmans Dome?
Clingmans Dome is in Bryson City, NC, at GPS 35.5628, -83.4985. It is about 10 mi from Gatlinburg.
Can you camp near Clingmans Dome?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Deep Creek Campground, about 8 mi away; within 25 mi there are 90 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Clingmans Dome?
Clingmans Dome is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: The Blue Ridge Parkway, end to end, Great Smoky Mountains and the Tail of the Dragon and Blue mountains, golden autumn – along Skyline Drive and the Blue Ridge Parkway into the Great Smoky Mountains.
What is there to see near Clingmans Dome?
Places worth a stop nearby: Elkmont Campground (8 mi), Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail (8 mi), Cades Cove (18 mi) and Tail of the Dragon (25 mi).
When is the best time to visit Clingmans Dome?
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in April, July–August and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)