The Clingmans Dome hike (now known as Kuwohi) is one of the most popular trails in Great Smoky Mountain National Park. The trail takes you to the top of the highest peak in the Smoky Mountains, giving 360° views up to 100 miles!
The half-mile paved trail to the tower at Kuwohi (formerly Clingmans Dome) seems like it would be easy. However, looks are deceiving! Thanks to the steep grade of the trail, that half-mile feels a lot longer. But that’s okay! There are several benches along the trail for visitors to rest before they continue the trek.
We visited Kuwohi/Clingmans Dome on one of the coldest days in November, but we still had a great time. The views from the top can’t be beat!
If you are planning on visiting Kuwohi/Clingmans Dome in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the guide below shares everything you need to know. So, let’s start planning your next adventure!
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Things to Know Before You Visit Kuwohi (Clingmans Dome)
Parking Passes
Beginning March 1st in, 2023, Great Smoky Mountains National Park will require parking passes for anyone parking more than 15 minutes. They are sold as daily, weekly, or annual passes. Learn more about the parking passes here.
Good to know: Clingmans Dome is one of the most popular things to do in Great Smoky Mountain National Park. Be prepared for crowds when you visit, especially during the summer and holidays.
Road Closure
The National Park Service closes Clingmans Dome Road from December 1st through March 31st due to snow and ice. Depending on the weather, they may close the road during the normal “open” season. You can find out about road closures here. Double-check that it’s open before you start your drive!
Weather at Clingmans Dome/Kuwohi
Kuwohi/Clingmans Dome is the highest peak in the Smoky Mountains so the weather can be vastly different than when you enter the park.
It can be very windy, rainy, or foggy, and temperatures are about 10-20° cooler than in lower areas of the park. If you’re visiting in the spring or fall, you’ll want to bring layers and rain gear with you.
You can learn about current weather conditions and views by visiting the National Park Service webcam.
Inclement weather could also cause the National Park Service to close Newfound Gap Road. Visit their Twitter page for the most up-to-date information about road closures.
Restrictions at Clingmans Dome
The National Park Service does not allow pets or bicycles on the paved path to the observation tower at Clingmans Dome. Additionally, although the half-mile path is paved, it is very steep and not considered wheelchair accessible.
While strollers are not restricted, due to the steepness of the path it is advisable to use a carrier instead of pushing a stroller up the hill.
Sunrise or Sunset
When the road to Kuwohi/Clingmans Dome is open, you can visit the trail any time. This makes it a great place to catch the sunrise or sunset. Remember to bring flashlights or headlamps with you.
Leave No Trace
Places like the Clingmans Dome Trail are popular with visitors, but they can bring trash and other issues. We all must do our part to keep our parks clean and enjoyable. Remember to pack out all trash (including those fruit peels) and leave behind what you found. Leave no trace so we all can enjoy these parks for years to come.
Directions to the Kuwohi / Clingmans Dome Trail
Whether coming from Gatlinburg or Asheville, the only way to the Clingmans Dome parking lot and trail is to take Newfound Gap Road to Clingmans Dome Road.
From 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. Clingmans Dome Road is a 7-mile, windy road, so you’ll have to drive slowly. There are several scenic pullouts along the route.
Good to Know: Clingmans Dome Road is closed December 1st through March 31st
Parking at Clingmans Dome/Kuwohi
There is a large parking lot at the top of Kuwohi/ Clingmans Dome. However, prepare for the parking to fill up quickly during the busiest times. Visitors may spend about 30-45 minutes at the peak, so parking will change over at a reasonable pace. If you are visiting during school breaks or summer, plan to arrive early to secure parking.
We arrived at Clingmans Dome around noon during Thanksgiving break. Although the parking lot was practically full, we were able to snag a spot as a family was leaving.
Clingmans Dome Bathrooms and Visitor Center
Bathrooms
The parking lot at Clingmans Dome has three vault-toilet (non-flush) bathrooms, all of which are considered ADA-accessible. Since there is no running water, hand sanitizer is provided, but of course, it never hurts to bring your own.
Visitor Center & Gift Shop
The Visitor Center at Kuwohi/Clingmans Dome is at the start of the paved trail. Here, you can get information about Clingmans Dome and the observation tower and purchase souvenirs, small snacks, hats, and T-shirts.
Kuwohi (Clingmans Dome) Trail: What to Expect
- Trail Location: As mentioned above, the Clingmans Dome Trail begins at the Clingmans Dome/Kuwohi parking lot
- Trail Length: Half-mile one way (1 mile total)
- Trail Difficulty: Easy side of moderate – The trail is paved, but the incline makes it more difficult
- Elevation Gain: 330 feet
- Dog-Friendly: Dogs are not allowed on the trail to Clingmans Dome
The Trail to the Kuwohi Observation Tower
The trail to Kuwohi Observation Tower is not for the weary! Although the half-mile (one-way) trail is paved, it is also very steep. The elevation gain is over 300 feet, making the grade about 13%. There are several benches along the trail for visitors to stop and rest.
The grade is too steep to be considered wheelchair accessible. Pushing a stroller up the hill is also difficult, so you should use a carrier instead. Remember, the National Park Service does not allow bicycles or pets on the trail.
Kuwohi Observation Tower
The ramp to the Kuwohi Observation Tower is 375 feet long. Along the way, you’ll get glimpses of the fantastic view ahead of you.
At the top of the observation tower, you’ll have 360° views of the surrounding area. You can easily see Gatlinburg from the top of the platform.
And on clear days, you’ll be able to see over 100 miles, which can include Tennessee, North Carolina, Kentucky, Georgia, and Virginia! However, most days, you might max out at 20 miles. Less if the weather is uncooperative.
Other Fun Facts About the Highest Peak in the Smoky Mountains
These are some fun things to know before you take the Clingmans Dome hike to the top.
- In September 2024, the peak was renamed Kuwohi, the Cherokee’s original name for the mountain.
- Clingmans Dome (the peak’s name from 1859-2024) was named for Thomas Clingman, who headed the surveying party that measured the mountain’s height. Before that, it was called Smokies Dome and also Kuwohi by the Cherokee.
- At 6643 feet in height, Kuwohi is the highest peak in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the highest point in Tennessee.
- The Clingmans Dome Observation Tower was built in 1959. The tower is 45 feet tall, and the ramp to the top is 375 feet long.
- The current tower replaced an old fire tower built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. It fell into disrepair in the 1950s and was torn down.
Wrapping Up the Trail to Kuwohi (Clingmans Dome)
We really enjoyed our visit to Kuwohi (Clingmans Dome). Compared to other trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, it’s one of the easiest ways to get amazing views of the mountains. Although it’s very popular (and thus, crowded), it’s still worth visiting!
