Clingmans Dome Hike

Overview

Available languages

English

4 hours

Mobile ticket

On this hike a knowledgeable guide will discuss the plant and animal life of the Great Smoky Mountains as well as the history of the people that called this area home. We'll hike the highest section of the Appalachian Trail through dense spruce-fir forest and climb the Clingmans Dome observation tower at 6,643 feet for a 360 degree view of the Great Smoky Mountains.

Additional Info

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

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

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What‘s Included

Bottled water

Snacks

GSMNP Parking Pass

What To Expect

An excellent opportunity to experience on of the true gems of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Clingman's Dome is the highest point in the Smokies with 360 degree views of the surrounding southern Appalachians. The route this hike takes is off the beaten path so the hiker is able to get away from the masses but still enjoy the same views from the top of a manmade structure. This hike can be steep in some sections but the reward is worth the extra effort. SMG staff will share with you the diversity on a small and large scale and what makes up the high elevations of the Smokies. Also, you will learn about invasive species that have attacked the upper reaches of the park and the outlook of that for the future. As we approach the highest summit in Tennessee, we will be on the scenic Appalachian trail and spend ample time exploring vistas hearing stories. Please note that you will be following the guide from the meeting location to the trailhead. You will need a parking pass for Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Details about the pass can be found here

Options

Clingmans Dome Hike

Reviews

4.94

18 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Hiking with friends and family.
tserrof100,
Jun 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
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.
Top of the Smokies is surreal !!
DannyWasserman,
Jun 15, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00
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.
5 Stars – Fantastic Tour with Smoky Mountains Guide!
EvelissaC1,
Jun 12, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
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!
Outstanding experience with Wes and Wes
Daniel B,
Jun 7, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
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!
Fabulous Hike
Colleen P,
May 23, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Wes was a great hiking guide! He provided a fun, safe and informative time on our hike on the Appalachian Trail to Kuwhoi.
Walk to the Top
RSGroom,
May 14, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
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.
I would recommend this company to anyone. I loved the small group and the girls were very friendly and knowledgeable.
Angela B,
Apr 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
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.
Worth it!
Imyourtallcool1,
Jan 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
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!
You can see forever on a clear day
G7287QOmb,
Dec 12, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
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.
High praise from the highest point on the AT!!
scottsZ6491XR,
Jul 8, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
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!!