Take A Stunning Drive And Refreshing Hike To The Highest Point In Tennessee

Tennessee is lauded for its stunning mountain range to the east, the ever-popular Great Smoky Mountains. As the most-visited national park in the United States, you can be sure that it’s well-protected and stunningly beautiful, a gorgeous reprieve from the rush of everyday life in the heart of the American south. Anytime is the perfect time to experience the beauty of the park from its highest point – would you care to join?

jmcd303 - Flickr

Clingmans Dome sits at the very tippy top of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It doubles as the highest point on the Appalachian Trail, and sits right on the North Carolina and Tennessee border.

Ken Rowland - flickr

It rises 6,634 feet in the air, and actually is known as the highest point the entire state of Tennessee, as well. The peak is accessible from the ever-popular Newfound Gap, which means that you'll have a gorgeous views the entire drive.

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Daniel Thornton - Flickr

You'll have the ability to drive the winding and beautiful Newfound Gap to just a half mile from the peak, after which you're on! On your feet, that is.

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Keturah Stickann - Flickr

There's a parking lot at the foot of the observation tower, which is open year-round except the chillier months of December 1st to March 31st, for safety reasons.

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Would you be willing to take the trek? The hike is short but incredibly steep, and you'll gain 332 feet before you reach the top. That's a 13% grade for you math people.

Judy Frederick - Flickr

The drive to the public parking lot beneath the observation tower is completely paved, as well as the hike to the tower itself. The only thing that goes a little wild? The view itself.

cowtools - Flickr

Here, you can see an undated shot of the Clingmans Dome parking area construction. The photo date is thought to be somewhere in the 1930s.

jmcd303 - Flickr

Whether you decide to drive and hike or stay in the car, this stunning space is a must-visit. The hike may be difficult, but you'll have the prettiest view in the Volunteer State - and perhaps in North Carolina as well!

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Daniel Thornton - Flickr

If you can only go at one time, we'd recommend visiting either early in the morning or at sunset. There's just something about the radical beauty of the beginning and end to the day that gives us all the feels.

For a peek at the picturesque park and the breathtaking views you’ll enjoy from atop the Clingmans Dome Observation tower, check out the short video below. On a clear day, you’ll be able to see seven states – Tennessee, North Carolina, Kentucky, South Carolina, Virginia, Alabama, and Mississippi.

Once you’re done experiencing the beauty of this national park, you may want to head on over to this beautiful and underrated Tennessee restaurant…sometimes food can be JUST as wonderful as a hike, you know!