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A trail that provides access to the AT while avoiding the crowds on the Kuwohi Trail.


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Map Key

0.5

Miles

0.9

KM

Point to Point

6,505' 1,983 m

High

6,200' 1,890 m

Low

305' 93 m

Up

0' 0 m

Down

11%

Avg Grade (6°)

13%

Max Grade (8°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Views

Family Friendly While the grades along this trail will challenge children, their short durations make them doable, and the breathtaking views atop Kuwohi make them worth it.

Kuwohi Road is closed in the winter, so access via that road is restricted during that time of year.

Closed if Newfound Gap Road (US HWY 441 between Gatlinburg TN - Cherokee NC) is closed due to snow and ice. Newfound Gap Road information can be found at twitter.com/smokiesroadsnps or by calling (865) 436-1200 and dialing extension 2, 2.

Description

The trailhead is located at the Kuwohi (fka Clingmans Dome) parking lot where the Forney Ridge Trail begins. While the paved trail to Kuwohi might be easier, it can be very crowded. If you are looking for solitude as you start your adventures on the AT, this is the quieter option for getting to the long trail.

The Kuwohi (fka Clingmans Dome) Bypass Trail drops 0.2 miles from the parking lot before coming to a junction. The trail goes off to the right and begins to climb uphill towards the Appalachian Trail (AT). The trail is rocky through this section, but views of some high elevation meadows are offered on the left side of the trail. The tree cover quickly disappears due to the death of the Fraser firs in the area. The trail climbs gently until it meets up with the Appalachian Trail (AT) 0.3 miles west of Kuwohi observation tower. At this junction, excellent views of Elkmont and Sugarland Mountain are off to the north and west.

Once you reach the junction, you have several options. Off to your left, you can explore the Appalachian Trail as it makes its way toward Silers Bald. If you turn to the right, you can follow the AT back to the Observation Tower (and the crowds) and then follow the paved trail back to the parking lot.

It's a 1.5 mile roundtrip loop, making for a nice day in the mountains.

Flora & Fauna

Deer are the most common visitors of this trail.

Contacts

Shared By:

David Hitchcock

Trail Ratings

  3.8 from 6 votes

#12808

Overall
  3.8 from 6 votes
5 Star
33%
4 Star
33%
3 Star
17%
2 Star
17%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#507

in North Carolina

#12,808

Overall
6 Views Last Month
1,750 Since Sep 4, 2015
Intermediate Intermediate

14%
0%
86%
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Photos

View from the very beginning of Andrews Bald!
Jun 28, 2018 near Bryson…, NC
The Clingmans Dome Bypass Trail is quite rocky.
Oct 18, 2016 near Bryson…, NC
Clingmans dome in the fog.
Jul 17, 2021 near Bryson…, NC

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Weather


Current Trail Conditions

Minor Issues 13 days ago
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Apr 18, 2024
Jill Newsome
Jill and Ethan
Oct 23, 2023
kary zhou
May 22, 2023
Cyndi Jones
1mi — 14h 30m
May 20, 2022
Cheyenne Brinegar
0.5mi — 0h 20m
May 21, 2021
Allison K
Clingmans dome->AT->clingmans dome bypass—>andrews bald 0.5mi
Oct 2, 2020
Steve Vacula Jr
Jul 31, 2020
Gosia Lieske
+ part of Appalachian Trail, back on a paved path 3.7mi — 2h 04m
Aug 26, 2019
K Z
0.5mi — 0h 45m
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