Summiting Clingman's Dome (more to come)

At 6,643 feet, Clingmans Dome is Great Smoky Mountains National Park's highest point. It is the highest point in Tennessee, and the second highest point east of the Mississippi. Only North Carolina's Mt. Mitchell (6,684 feet) rises higher.

In clear, pollution-free days, views expand over 100 miles and into seven states. However, air pollution limits average viewing distances to 22 miles. Despite this handicap, breathtaking scenes delight those ascending the tower. It is a great place for sunrises and sunsets.

Cloudy days, precipitation, and cold temperatures reveal the hostile environment atop Clingmans Dome. Proper preparation is essential for a good visit. Weather conditions atop Clingmans Dome change quickly. Snow can fall from anytime between September and May. Get a current weather forecast before heading to the tower.

The cool, wet conditions on Clingmans Dome's summit make it a coniferous rainforest. Unfortunately, pests, disease, and environmental degradation threaten the unique and fragile spruce-fir forest. Dead trunks litter the area, and dying trees struggle to survive another year. Berries thrive in the open areas, and a young forest will replace the dying trees.

Although Clingmans Dome is open year-round, the road leading to it is closed from December 1 through April 1, and whenever weather conditions require. People can hike and cross-country ski on the road during the winter.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• clingmans
• dome
• tennessee
• north
• carolina
• geochron

[micromom1lb7]

Steven (Geochron) tends to climb in the worst possible weather as a form of conditioning for his mountaineering adventures.

[reasonintheright]

I live a couple hours from Mt. Mitchell, it might be fun to climb that one. Though I would pick a less rainy day.

[bighugejake]

hahah that was awesome.

[TheCaptainLulz]

you're at a hillbilly apex! north corolina and ol' virginia. hope the weather improves.

[bamboo4tameshigiri]

Very cool, man. Stay safe and take deep breaths.

[guaflar]

dude, that path up there is a tough hike even on good days! i went there with my college botany class a few years back to see all the different flora ecosystems and how they change with respect to elevation, exposure to the elements, and all that jazz. that was a really cool trip

[pilgrimpater]

Were you trying to emulate Mary Poppins?

[Treefr0g1]

Looks like you had a hell of a climb. Good effort dude!

Too bad there was no view for you (and us) when you reached the top :)