Move over Seattle, North Carolina has an overlook equally as stunning as the cityscape seen from high atop the Space Needle. And while our version of your space needle isn’t as tall as yours, it’s perched on the very top of the highest mountain in all of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Welcome to a North Carolina overlook that’s always worth a visit: Clingmans Dome.

Because we're good neighbors we always point out the fact that we like to share Clingmans Dome with Tennessee because it's technically right on the border. But to get specific, only the trail up to Clingmans Dome touches the Tennessee/North Carolina border. The observation tower itself is quite clearly located in North Carolina.
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Built and opened more than 60 years ago, Clingmans Dome observation tower rises four and a half stories above the summit of Clingmans Dome mountain, which has an elevation of 6,643 feet.
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It's been called the most easily accessible mountain summit in the entire park.
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A paved seven-mile road leads all the way to just below the tower and ends at the Forney Ridge Parking Area. From here, you'll hike 0.5-mile on a paved path up to the top of the tower.

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The huge elevation here means pictures are sometimes duped by what appears to be low-hanging clouds. But you can sometimes turn that into a positive for some very striking photos!
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Since the Smoky Mountain National Park is the most visited national park unit in the country, you can imagine our miniature space-needle-like tower is also well-traveled.
Google/Bryan B
Perhaps that's because inclement weather during the off-season often causes the national park to close the road up to Clingmans Dome between December 1 and March 31 each year. In turn, we all have to cram our visits into just eights months.
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If you're a fan of those famous photos of the layers and layers of the Appalachian Mountains, then Clingmans Dome is a great place to capture them!
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Have you ever visited this North Carolina overlook that’s like our own miniature Space Needle?

Learn more and check wind, weather, and road conditions by visiting the official National Parks website.

Enjoy a short video featuring the overlook and the breathtaking views below. On a clear day, you can see seven states – Tennessee, North Carolina, Kentucky, South Carolina, Virginia, Alabama, and Mississippi.

While you’re in the area, pop on over to check out this winding staircase up to Mingo Falls!

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Clingmans Dome, North Carolina 28713, USA