At 6,643 feet, Clingmans Dome is the highest peak in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and the third highest east of the Mississippi. It is the highest point along the Appalachian Trail.
If you choose to visit Clingmans Dome Tower, I suggest that you get to the parking lot early. It fills up fast! Or perhaps it is easier to park later and observe a fantastic sunset.
*Clicking on a photo will give you a closer look!
I also suggest bringing plenty of water. The half-mile paved trail is very steep, and is a strenuous walk up to a 54-foot observation tower with a 360-degree view of the park. Not for pets or the disabled (no wheelchairs). Take your time! If you are like me, and not used to the humidity, you will be hot and wet by the time you get to the top, but it is worth it!
We had a lovely scenic drive on part of the Blue Ridge Parkway as we continued on with our road trip.
See the world around you!
LC's Cottage 
That lookout tower looks interesting!
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It was worth the hike up! 🙂
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Hi Laura, the landscape pictures and explanation is like traveling with you! The different blue of the mountains is intensive!
Have to check where exactly you have been.
If I got it correct the explanation of how it becomes land is very lyrical (right word?), or first nation language?
Thanks for sharing these pictures!
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Hi Eva! Thanks so much for traveling with me…I appreciate it! Most of my travels (and I am not a seasoned traveler by any means) are listed in the Travel Tabs on my blog header.
Lyrical is a great way to describe the Cherokee creation stories and beliefs!
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The observation tower is fabulous!
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It was pretty cool, Sharon! But you being a fellow ‘dry heater’ might want to select a less humid time to visit. I could wring out my underwear by the time that I made it to the tower! Ha, ha! 🙂
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