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Clingmans Dome Hike: Great Smoky Mountains
4.9
18 Ratings
Gatlinburg
Explore Clingmans Dome with a guide, discover local wildlife, history, and enjoy breathtaking 360° views from the highest Appalachian Trail point.
Explore Clingmans Dome with a guide, discover local wildlife, history, and enjoy breathtaking 360° views from the highest Appalachian Trail point.
Duration:
4 hours
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- Clingmans Dome - A fantastic chance to explore one of the true treasures of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Clingmans Dome stands as the highest point in the Smokies, offering breathtaking 360-degree views of the surrounding southern Appalachians. This hike follows a less-traveled path, allowing hikers to escape the crowds while still…
- Clingmans Dome - A fantastic chance to explore one of the true treasures of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Clingmans Dome stands as the highest point in the Smokies, offering breathtaking 360-degree views of the surrounding southern Appalachians. This hike follows a less-traveled path, allowing hikers to escape the crowds while still enjoying the stunning views from the top of a manmade structure. Some sections of the hike can be steep, but the reward is well worth the extra effort. SMG staff will enlighten you about the diversity on both small and large scales and what constitutes the high elevations of the Smokies. Additionally, you will learn about invasive species that have impacted the upper reaches of the park and the future outlook. As the group approaches the highest summit in Tennessee, they will traverse the scenic Appalachian Trail and spend ample time exploring vistas and hearing stories.
Please be aware that you will follow the guide from the meeting location to the trailhead. A parking pass for Great Smoky Mountains National Park is required. Details about the pass can be found here.
What's Included
- Bottled water
- Snacks
- Bottled water
- Snacks
What's Not Included
- GSMNP Parking Pass
- GSMNP Parking Pass
Additional Information
During this hike, an experienced guide will share insights about the flora and fauna of the Great Smoky Mountains, along with the history of the inhabitants who once lived in this region. Participants will trek the highest part of the Appalachian Trail through lush spruce-fir forests and ascend the Clingmans Dome observation tower, standing at 6,643…
During this hike, an experienced guide will share insights about the flora and fauna of the Great Smoky Mountains, along with the history of the inhabitants who once lived in this region. Participants will trek the highest part of the Appalachian Trail through lush spruce-fir forests and ascend the Clingmans Dome observation tower, standing at 6,643 feet, to enjoy a panoramic view of the Great Smoky Mountains.
- GSMNP Parking Pass Required- A parking pass from GSMNP is required for this activity. Details about the parking pass including online purchases can be found at https://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/fees.htm
Location
1011 Banner Rd
Banner Road
Guests will meet their guide and follow in their own car to the trailhead. The scenic drive to the trailhead takes approximately 45 minutes.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.9
(18 Ratings)
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Tserrof100
Jun 24, 2025
Hiking with friends and family. - Excellent hike, Lydia was an excellent guide and friend to me and my daughter for the day. It was so nice to not be on the paved path with everyone else in the world.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Evelissac1
Jun 12, 2025
5 Stars – Fantastic Tour with Smoky Mountains Guide! - We had a wonderful experience exploring the Smoky Mountains with Smoky Mountains Guide. Everything was well organized from start to finish. Our guide, Wes, was outstanding—very knowledgeable, friendly, and easy to talk to. He reached out the day before to coordinate details and gave us great advice on what to bring, which helped us feel well-prepared.
Wes was punctual, and the tour itself exceeded our expectations. We chose to walk with a guide so we could learn more about the Smokies, and it was absolutely worth it. Wes shared so much insight about the area’s history, wildlife, and plant life—it really added depth to the experience.
We also appreciated the little touches: they provided snacks, water, and even walking poles.
All in all, we highly recommend Smoky Mountains Guide and would definitely book with them again. A five-star experience all the way!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Daniel_b
Jun 7, 2025
Outstanding experience with Wes and Wes - Wes and his coworker Wes were the best! They have lived in these mountains all their lives and are founts of Smokey Mountain information! Great with young people, kids, and adults alike. They are engaging and fun. They know the secret back trails where there aren't crowds. Highly recommend this hike!
Review provided by Viator
Colleen
May 23, 2025
Fabulous Hike - Wes was a great hiking guide! He provided a fun, safe and informative time on our hike on the Appalachian Trail to Kuwhoi.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Rsgroom
May 14, 2025
Walk to the Top - The walk to get to the top is a little rough but once you get to the top, it is well worth it. The view from the top is beautiful. You will be glad you did the walk.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Angela
Apr 3, 2025
I would recommend this company to anyone. I loved the small group and the girls were very friendly and knowledgeable. - Use this company for a great hike. I will use them again next time I’m in town. The hike was beautiful and showed what the mountain was really like.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Imyourtallcool1
Jan 13, 2025
Worth it! - We climbed to the top of the Clingmans Dome. We are in our 60's and believe me it wasn't easy, but we did it! The hike to the actual dome is paved, but it is quite the trek and fairly steep. There are plenty of places to stop and rest along the way. We used our trekking poles Make sure you take water. We arrived on a weekday around 10:00am in late October and were able to find a parking space. It was packed when we left with a long line to get in. Get there early! The views at the top were worth it!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
G7287qomb
Dec 12, 2024
You can see forever on a clear day - Very cool spot. If you’re in Gatlinburg on a hot day, like I was - it was 94, we came up to Clingmans Dome and it was 75. Awesome. Walked up the 1/4 mile paved path, it is steep. But there are benches to rest on if needed. Once up there, it was a beautiful clear day and you could see forever. I think you can see 7 states up there. Half way up I seen a big lake to the left. I was told that was Fontana dam and though it looked close, it’s like 25 miles away. The Dragons Tail is over there. So we drove over there next. Good times.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Scottsz6491xr
Jul 8, 2024
High praise from the highest point on the AT!! - Wes lead a small group from our church during a filming project we were doing and he was super knowledgeable and passionate about the Smoky Mountains, the AT, and hiking in general. Would recommend him to anyone!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Dannywasserman
Jun 15, 2025
Top of the Smokies is surreal !! - Clingman's Dome is in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains and is worth the hike. A little bit strenuous, but worth the trek. They have a small, but plenty of room to view the mountain tops and the vastness of the mountain range. Great place to take photos.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
