Mountain of the week - Clingman’s Dome

In honor Outdoorzy member leighkmill’s first hiking trip last weekend, our mountain of the week is Clingman’s Dome. We’re still waiting on a trip report, Leigh, but here is some info while we’re waiting.

From clingmansdome.com:
At 6,643 feet, Clingmans Dome is Great Smoky Mountains National Park’s highest point. It is the highest point in Tennessee, and the second highest point east of the Mississippi.The peak is accessible after driving Clingmans Dome Road from Newfound Gap, and then walking a steep half-mile trail. A paved trail leads to a 54-foot observation tower. The Appalachian Trail crosses Clingmans Dome, marking the highest point along its 2,144 mile journey.

Wikipedia says:
Though not quite the outdoor adventure, it does provide the casual visitor with an excellent glimpse of the often hostile environment of highland Appalachia, and the fifty-foot high observation tower allows spectators a 360 degree panorama of the surrounding mountains, on the infrequent occasion of a clear, sunny day. Cantilevered signs, hanging from the rails of the tower, point out the various peaks that can be viewed in the distance.
For the more hardy hiker, the Appalachian Trail also crosses Clingman’s Dome, passing a very short distance behind the observation tower. The trail can be picked up from Newfound Gap and hiked for approximately 7½ miles to the tower, which offers the only opportunity to actually hike Clingman’s Dome. The entire distance is above 5,000 ft (1,524 m), and is perfumed with the fragrant scent of spruce.

In addition to Clingman’s Dome, Chimney Tops, Abrams Falls and Hen Wallow Falls trails were all used to help break in Leigh’s new hiking shoes.

Images from Wikipedia.

Add comment August 2nd, 2007