Clingmans Dome - Great Smoky Mountains Trip 2010

My family and I made a trip to Gatlinburg Tennessee and the Smoky Mountains in September 2010 and had a great time there. We have been there 4 times now and rent a different cabin up in the mountains each time we go for a different experience.

This video was on our first day there and we made the 20 mile drive from Gatlinburg up into the Smoky Moutnains to Clingmans Dome. This was filmed about midday and the temperature was 66 degrees at the top of Clingmans Dome and when we returned to the city of Gatlinburg it was near 90 degrees, thats how much difference there is in that short of time.

It is the highest mountain in the Smokies, the highest point in the state of Tennessee, and the highest point along the 2,174-mile (3,499 km) Appalachian Trail. East of the Mississippi River, only Mount Mitchell (6,684 ft) and Mount Craig (6,647 ft) are higher.

Clingmans Dome is currently protected as part of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. A paved road, closed in winter (December 1 through March 31), connects it to U.S. Highway 441 (Newfound Gap Road). The concrete observation tower, built in 1959, offers a panoramic view of the mountains in every direction.

Reputedly known as "Kuwahi" (the mulberry place) by the Cherokee Indians, the mountain was dubbed "Smoky Dome" by American settlers moving in from other areas. In 1859, the mountain was henceforth renamed by Arnold Guyot for compatriot Thomas Lanier Clingman (1812--1897), an American Civil War general who extensively explored the area in the 1850s and spent many years thereafter promoting it.

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.

The Appalachian Trail crosses Clingmans Dome, passing immediately north of the observation tower. A 7.5-mile (12.1 km) leg of the trail connects the mountain with Newfound Gap, and provides the only non-overnight access to the mountain in winter months.

Clingmans Dome on Wikipedia: Find out more info here
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clingman%27s_Dome

Background music from Kevin Macleod called "Pride"
http://www.incompetech.com/

Category:

Entertainment

Tags:

• Clingmans
• Dome
• Great
• Smoky
• Mountains
• 2010
• Gatlinburg
• Pigeon
• Forge
• Tennessee
• North
• Carolina
• nature
• hiking
• outdoors
• tourism

[johnbrunedigital]

Oh so that's what it looks like. When we were there last spring it was covered in mist. I just posted my video of that trip on YouTube as well. I really enjoyed your video. Thanks for posting a view that I didn't get to see!

[MoviesMusicNature]

@johnbrunedigital Thanks for visiting and commenting.. I did visit your video to see how it looked all misty. For such a place to visit for the visual aspect, having it all misty like that would of been a slight let down I bet. But, on the other hand you got to see it how most others don't get to see it, like myself :-) I thought it was quite neat to see like that. We have been there a few times now and have been lucky with the weather part..

[DanielleCrayyy]

Great video! I was just there yesterday. One of the most beautiful places i've ever been to. :)

[MoviesMusicNature]

@DanielleCrayyy Thanks! It is great place for sure! The view is fantastic.. Thanks for stopping by and commenting.

[sxasher2]

Oh, one of my absolute favorite places in the world. The video is perfect and your presentation and selected music is awe-inspiring. Thank you for sharing this masterpiece with us!

[MoviesMusicNature]

@sxasher2 It's a special place that is for sure! I didn't want to leave, really. Thanks for your kind words on the video, I'm glad that you liked it :-)

[rumpranger01]

lots of dead trees nice place lol

[MoviesMusicNature]

@BeaverCreekHome Thanks! That is one of the hardest things for me to do is find the right music for a video. You would think it is editing but nope, not for me.

[BeaverCreekHome]

Love the music in this video, very much, too !

[MoviesMusicNature]

@dacman17 It certainly is! A breathtaking view for sure. Thanks for your visit and comment :-)