With sweeping mountain views and countless hiking trails to explore, it’s no wonder why Great Smoky Mountain National Park is the most frequently visited national park in the U.S. Plus, it houses the highest point in Tennessee and the second highest point in North Carolina! This location is known as Clingmans Dome, and it’s a scenic overlook that every outdoor lover – and photographer – should experience at least once.
Residing at 6,643 feet, Clingmans Dome is the highest point in the vast Great Smoky Mountain National Park. To experience the park from this elevated perspective is a true bucket list adventure.
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The summit of Clingmans Dome features an observation tower that offers adventurers an unparalleled 360-degree view of the park. On clear days, it’s possible to see 100 miles into the distance.
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Near the top, you’ll notice a unique spruce-fir forest that prospers in the cool, wet conditions of Clingmans Dome. In fact, this point measures 10 to 20 degrees F cooler than the surrounding areas.
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The Observation Tower is open year-round, although the paved road that leads there is closed from December 1 through March 31 and whenever required by snowy conditions.
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Check out the short video below to enjoy views from the overlook! You’ll get a peek at the observation tower and the beautiful scenery in all directions. On a clear day, that scenery includes parts of seven states – Tennessee, North Carolina, Kentucky, South Carolina, Virginia, Alabama, and Mississippi.
Itai Minovitz / Getty Images
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Joshua Moore / Getty Images
Doug Kerr/flickr
For more information about Clingmans Dome, you can visit the National Parks Service website by clicking here. What are your thoughts on this gorgeous overview? We’d love to hear from you!
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