Take An Unforgettable Drive To The Top Of Tennessee's Highest Mountain
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Meghan Kraft
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Tennessee is bound to the west by the Mississippi River and to the east by the Great Smoky Mountains, two of the most iconic and oft-visited natural areas in the United States. The Smokies are the most-visited national park in the nation, actually, and Clingmans Dome sits high above every other peak as the highest point in the park. If you haven’t seen Tennessee from its highest vantage point, it’s a must. You can even drive (most of the way) there! Check it out for yourself below.
Clingmans Dome isn't just the highest mountain in the Smokies, but it's the highest point in the entire state of Tennessee AND along the Appalachian Trail. At 6,643 feet, Clingmans Dome is the third-highest point on the eastern side of Tennessee.
You're able to drive the paved Newfound Gap Road to the parking lot of the famed concrete observation tower atop the mountain. Along the way, you'll find yourself indulging in a myriad of gorgeous sights!
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As well as being the highest point in the park, Clingmans Dome is also easily eaccessible. Clingmans Dome Road itself is a seven-mile stretch that's open from April 1st and November 30th, branching off of Newfound Gap and ending in a parking lot just below the summit.
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You'll never see a more beautiful sunset...
...and you can't beat a view of the beautiful expanse of the Southern Appalachian spruce-fir forest. Since Clingmans Dome is situated high above localized terrain, you'll be able to see for miles and miles.
The observation deck is well worth a visit, too! You'll have a panoramic view of the mountains for free, though the half-mile walk to the top does have a solid incline. Built in 1959, it's even been listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Have you been? Would you visit? If you're in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, then you don't want to miss the chance to visit.
If you’re looking for up-to-the-minute information, make sure to check out the NPS official website before your trip.
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