Clingmans Dome Road

Just beyond Newfound Gap and State Line Ridge (coming from Gatlinburg) or just before the Gap coming from Cherokee, you will approach Clingmans Dome Road (which is closed in winter), which will take you to the Clingmans Dome parking area. You'll then hike the last half-mile and climb the 45-foot observation tower, affording you the highest vantage point in the Park. On a clear day, you can see 7 states (though you might not be able to distinguish them. While in this area, consider hiking the 4 round-trip to Andrew's Bald. Grassy balds, such as Andrew's) are said to have been originally caused by lightning fires, but the balds have since been sustained by the National Park Service. Wonderful displays of rhododendron can be seen here in late June.

After you leave Clingmans Dome and continue down Newfound Gap Road toward Cherokee or Gatlinburg, you will travel approximately one-half mile to the Oconoluftee Valley Overlook, affording you spectacular views of the Oconoluftee River Valley. As you look to where the valley falls away, you can see the road that will carry you downward to Cherokee, North Carolina.

Back to Auto Tours • Great Smoky Mountains National Park, GSMNP • Cabin Rentals