Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Clingman's Dome

Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Clingman's Dome

This route takes you to Clingman's Dome (6,643 ft.), the highest point in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and on the Appalachian Trail.

Author:	cvb
Date:	28 Aug 2007 4:15:02 PM
Activity:	Bicycling ActivitySearchBicycling
State:	Tennessee (TN)
Distance:	19.53 mi (Change units)
Elevation:	Total Gain: 5309 ft Total Loss: 550 ft Net Change: 4759 ft
Difficulty:	7 / 10
Tags:	Tennessee, Tennesse, Bryson City, Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Rating:	1 rating(s) Rate it

This is a very challenging but highly satisfying climb. Note that the distance is really 39 miles: it's an out and back, so you must return the same way you go up. The climbing is steady, but mostly at 6% or so. Portions of the descent (especially the section below Newfound Gap) are quite technical. The road from Newfound Gap to Clingman's Dome is closed to car traffic in the winter season but is rideable when snow is not present (watch for debris, though). Parking is available at the Sugarlands visitors center at the start of the ride. For a shorter ride of about 26 miles you can turn around at Newfound Gap overlook. Be sure to bring appropriate clothing as cold weather and precipitation can sneak up on you in a hurry on this climb. Driving directions from Knoxville.

-Mapped by Chris Vanden Bossche

Position Format:	Datum:

Tracks

Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Clingman's Dome

Dist: 19.53 mi	Points: 137	Calories: none
Time: none	Speed: 0.0 mph	Pace: 0:00 / mi

Points of Interest

Sugarlands

Location: 35.687836°, -83.537722°
There is a visitor center in Sugarlands with parking, rest rooms, etc.

Photo 4

Location: Unknown
The observation tower is a short .5-.75 mile walk from the parking lot at the top of the climb. You'll need mountain bike shoes if you want to make the trek.

Start of the climb

Location: 35.665943°, -83.527079°
The lower half of the climb to Newfound Gap is a little steeper than the second half.

Technical Descent

Location: 35.626536°, -83.448114°
The second half of the climb up to Newfound Gap has some sections where the grade decreases and gives you a break. On the descent, though, there are a number of sharp turns and a couple of tunnels to traverse.

Newfound Gap Overlook

Location: 35.610209°, -83.426228°
Restrooms and drinking water available here.

Up we go

Location: 35.603161°, -83.449402°
Clingman's Dome Road

Descend going up--climb going down

Location: 35.582990°, -83.472748°
The 1 mile out of the twenty going up that descends, rather than climbs, comes about here. Reverse on the way back, of course.