Remember, the National Park Service does not allow bicycles or pets on the trail. Pushing a stroller up the hill is also difficult, so you should use a carrier instead. ![]() The grade is too steep to be considered wheelchair accessible. There are several benches along the trail for visitors to stop and rest. The elevation gain is over 300 feet, making the grade about 13%. The Clingmans Dome Trail is not for the weary! Although the half-mile (one-way) trail is paved, it is also very steep. ![]() Trail Difficulty: Moderate – The trail is paved but the incline makes it more difficult.Trail Length: Half-mile one way (1 mile total).Trail Location: As mentioned above, the Clingmans Dome Trail begins at the Clingmans Dome parking lot.You can get information about Clingmans Dome and the observation tower and purchase some souvenirs, small snacks, hats, and t-shirts. The Visitor Center at Clingmans Dome is at the start of the paved trail. Of course, it never hurts to bring your own. There is no running water, so hand sanitizer is provided. There are three vault-toilet (non-flush) bathrooms at the parking lot at Clingmans Dome. Clingmans Dome Bathrooms and Visitor Center Bathrooms If you are visiting during school breaks or summer, plan to arrive early to secure parking. Visitors may spend about 30-45 minutes at Clingmans Dome so that parking will change over at a reasonable pace. However, prepare for the parking to fill up quickly during the busiest times. There is a large parking lot at the top of Clingmans Dome. Visitor Tip: Clingmans Dome Road is closed December 1st through March 31st. There are several scenic pullouts along the route. Clingmans Dome Road is a 7-mile, windy road, so you’ll have to drive slowly. Whether coming from Gatlinburg or Asheville, the only way to get to the Clingmans Dome parking lot and trail is by taking Newfound Gap Road to Clingmans Dome Road.įrom either the Tennessee or North Carolina entrances, it’ll take about 25-30 minutes to reach Clingmans Dome Road and then another 15-20 minutes to reach the parking lot. Leave no trace so we all can enjoy these parks for years to come. Remember to pack out all trash (including those fruit peels), and leave behind what you found. We all need to do our part to keep our parks clean and enjoyable for all. Places like the Clingmans Dome Trail are popular with visitors, which can bring trash and other issues. Remember to bring flashlights or headlamps with you. This makes it a great place to catch the sunrise or sunset. When the road to Clingmans Dome is open, you can visit the trail any time. While there are no restrictions on strollers due to the steepness of the path, it is advisable to use a carrier instead of pushing a stroller up the hill. And although the half-mile path is paved, it is very steep and not considered wheelchair accessible. The National Park Service does not allow pets or bicycles on the paved path to the observation tower at Clingmans Dome. Visit their Twitter page for the most up-to-date information about road closures. Inclement weather could also cause the National Park Service to close Newfound Gap Road. You can learn about current weather conditions and views by visiting the National Park Service webcam. If you’re visiting in the spring or fall, you’ll want to bring layers and rain gear with you. ![]() ![]() It can be very windy, rainy, or foggy, and with temperatures about 10-20° cooler than lower areas in the park. Weather at Clingmans DomeĬlingmans Dome is the highest peak in the Smoky Mountains so the weather can be vastly different than when you enter the park. Learn more about the parking passes here. They are sold as daily, weekly, or annual passes. Be prepared for crowds when you visit! Parking Passesīeginning March 1st in, 2023, Great Smoky Mountains National Park will require parking passes for anyone parking more than 15 minutes. Pin It For Later! Things to Know Before You Visit Clingmans DomeĬlingmans Dome is one of the most popular things to do in Great Smoky Mountain National Park.
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