Hiking Project Logo

gem icon Kuwohi (fka Clingmans Dome) [Suggest Edits]

144 votes
Zoom in to see details
Map Key

Description

If you are looking for some of the best views in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, look no further than Kuwohi (fka Clingmans Dome). At 6,643 feet, it's the highest point in the park and the highest point in Tennessee. It is also the third highest point east of the Mississippi with only Mt. Mitchell (6,684 feet) and Mt. Craig (6,647 feet), both located in Mt. Mitchell State Park in western North Carolina, rising higher.

The observation tower on the summit offers expansive 360-degree views of the Smokies and beyond. Visitors willing to climb to the tower on a clear day can expect spectacular views stretching nearly 100 miles in every direction. Sadly, the views are sometimes limited to a mere 20 miles due to air pollution. But on a clear day be sure to bring your camera as you can see for miles!

Long Walk: From the Visitor Center, climb the short, steep, paved Kuwohi (fka Clingmans Dome) Trail to the summit and the observation tower.

Note: Although the Observation Tower is open year-round, the road leading to it is closed from December 1 through March 31, and whenever weather conditions require. Also, although the path is paved, it is not wheelchair accessible due to the steep grade.

Family Friendly: Easy access on a short, paved path from the Visitor Center leads to views that kids of all ages will appreciate.

Gem Type: Viewpoint

Shared by:
Kristen Arendt
loading

You & This Gem

Your Rating: Rating Rating Rating Rating Rating      Clear Rating
Your Favorites: Add To-Do · Your List
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Sep 21, 2024
Dawn Haynes
Jun 12, 2024
Taylor Eversole
Apr 30, 2024
Lisa Torres
Loved it
Oct 28, 2023
Matt Gregg
Oct 28, 2023
Sha Sha
Sep 30, 2023
Peter Antonini
Short walk yes. But steep. Most beautiful view. Would be will ing to do again.
Sep 4, 2023
Aaron Fagerwick
Aug 27, 2023
Alicia Sloan

Nearby Gems

gem Favorite Alum Cave in the fog

Alum Cave Bluffs

(86) Gatlinburg, TN
gem Favorite Hike the popular 2.3 mile roundtrip trail to reach the 80 foot Laurel Falls in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The falls is broken up in an upper and lower section with a narrow bridge cutting across. This photo is shot at the bottom of the lower section of the falls.

Laurel Falls

(115) Gatlinburg, TN
gem Favorite Mount LeConte after a winter storm on the AT. Clouds hug the ridges and hoarfrost covers the trees.

Charlies Bunion

(60) Gatlinburg, TN
gem Favorite Rainbow Falls

Rainbow Falls

(55) Gatlinburg, TN
gem Favorite Andrews Bald.

Andrews Bald

(32) Bryson…, NC
gem Favorite Mingus Mill

Mingus Mill

(29) Cherokee, NC
gem Favorite Log bridge before Arch Rock

Arch Rock

(21) Gatlinburg, TN
gem Favorite Heading to Juney Whank Falls on a perfect fall day.

Juney Whank Falls

(24) Bryson…, NC

Nearby Trails

10.7 mi 17.3 km Alum Cave - Cliff Top Out and Back
Difficult Difficult
Gatlinburg, TN
Difficult Difficult
Gatlinburg, TN
All Clear
Update
Dry
4 days ago
275 
8.0 mi 12.8 km Charlies Bunion Out and Back
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
Gatlinburg, TN
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
Gatlinburg, TN
Unknown
Update
133 
4.2 mi 6.7 km Chimney Tops Trail
Difficult Difficult
Gatlinburg, TN
Difficult Difficult
Gatlinburg, TN
All Clear
Update
Mostly Dry
12 days ago
151 
5.4 mi 8.7 km Rainbow Falls
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
Gatlinburg, TN
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
Gatlinburg, TN
All Clear
Update
69 days ago
82 
2.6 mi 4.2 km Grotto Falls
Intermediate Intermediate
Gatlinburg, TN
Intermediate Intermediate
Gatlinburg, TN
Minor Issues
Update
Some Mud
7 hours ago
89 
8.0 mi 12.8 km Ramsey Cascades Trail
Difficult Difficult
Gatlinburg, TN
Difficult Difficult
Gatlinburg, TN
Unknown
Update
72 
0.8 mi 1.3 km Kuwohi (fka Clingmans Dome) Trail
Intermediate Intermediate
Bryson City, NC
Intermediate Intermediate
Bryson City, NC
Minor Issues
Update
Icy and slushy near the top
15 days ago
89 
3.6 mi 5.8 km Andrews Bald Out and Back
Intermediate Intermediate
Bryson City, NC
Intermediate Intermediate
Bryson City, NC
Minor Issues
Update
Muddy
98 days ago
65 
16.0 mi 25.7 km Mount Le Conte Loop
Difficult Difficult
Bryson City, NC
Difficult Difficult
Bryson City, NC
Unknown
Update
34 
4.1 mi 6.6 km Laurel Falls Trail
Intermediate Intermediate
Gatlinburg, TN
Intermediate Intermediate
Gatlinburg, TN
All Clear
Update
Mostly Dry
14 days ago
45 
Shared by Kristen Arendt on Aug 4, 2016. All Page Views: 8,710. Last Month: 43.
Welcome

Join the Community! It's FREE

Already have an account? Login to close this notice.