Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Clingmans Dome via Newfound Gap

Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Clingmans Dome via Newfound Gap

Ascend to the second highest point east of the Mississippi on this 7.6-mile Appalachian Trail hike through misty coniferous forest.

Author:	creed3
Date:	10 Apr 2009 10:32:00 PM
Activity:	Hiking ActivitySearchHiking
State:	Tennessee (TN)
Distance:	7.6 mi (Change units)
Elevation:	No Elevation Data
Difficulty:	6 / 10
USGS Topo Map:	Clingmans Dome
Tags:	Appalachian Trail, North Carolina, AT hikes in Tennessee, Tennessee, Gatlinburg, AT in Great Smoky Mtns. NP, AT hikes in North Carolina, Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Rating:	Unrated Rate it

Although the Clingmans Dome observation tower can be reached via a ½-mile trail near the end of this hike, it’s more rewarding to stash a car by the tower and shuttle to Newfound Gap for a 7.6-mile dayhike along the Appalachian Trail. Shaded by young spruce-fir forest, this trail has a rain-forest feel on wet days.

Hike southwest up a ridgeline on the AT, cresting the broad, 6,1118-foot summit of Mount Collins, before climbing gradually to the base of the observation tower. On clear days, views stretch across 100-mile expanses to seven states from the top of 6,643-foot Clingmans Dome. However, it’s not uncommon to find the tower shrouded in a thick mist as well. For the best photo ops, time your arrival at the tower for sunset or sunrise.

Mapped by Scott Sanders

TO TRAILHEAD: Start: From Gatlinburg, TN, head southwest on US 441 for 15 miles to the Newfound Gap parking lot.

End: From Gatlinburg, TN, head southwest on US 441 for 15.2 miles. Turn left onto Clingmans Dome Rd. Go 7 miles to the parking lot.

Position Format:	Datum:

Tracks

Clingmans Dome

Dist: 7.54 mi	Points: 467	Calories: none
Time: none	Speed: 0.0 mph	Pace: 0:00 / mi

Clingmans Dome

Points of Interest

CD001

Location: 35.611259°, -83.425293°
Newfound Gap Trailhead: Follow the Appalachian Trail southwest for a ridgeline traverse. The trail gradually ascends the ridge through a spurce-fir forest on the northwest side of Clingmans Dome Road; cars can occasionally be heard close by.

CD002

Location: 35.609558°, -83.446732°
Continue straight @ 3-way junction past the trail intersection with Chimney Top.

CD003

Location: 35.590687°, -83.474274°
Go left @ T-junction to continue on the Appalachian Trail. To the right, a trail heads north for a short distance to the Mount Collins Shelter—a good stopping point for thru-hikers that want arrive at the observation tower at sunrise.

CD004

Location: 35.586414°, -83.472694°
Approach the broad, tree-covered summit of Mount Collins (6,118 ft.), one of the South Beyond 6,000 peaks; summit views are limited.

CD005

Location: 35.566822°, -83.493622°
Travel through lush landscapes resembling rain forest; you'll pass a mix of young spruce-firs, dead and decaying trees, and moss and lichen that blanket the wet undergrowth.

CD006

Location: 35.562931°, -83.498459°
Hike past the base of the tower on Clingmans Dome. This summit is the second highest point east of the Mississippi, and the highest point on the Appalachian Trail. Climb the 54-foot tower for 100-mile views of seven states on clear days. On cloudy days, you won't be able to see the ground below the 54-foot tower. Next, continue straight and turn left @ the Y-junction ahead to descend towards the parking lot.