Let me start by saying, My family and I are not hikers or in the best of shape. We range from 25-58. This experience was still worth the effort. Early August 2009, the weather is warm in the morning hours (upper 70s), we took a ride through the Smokies and veered off the road to visit Clingman's Dome. After 7... more

As a person with a fairly new artificial knee and one that needs to be replaced. - I climbed the paved path to the top of clingmans done to the observation tower. It was worth it. The views are breathtaking, although we were hoping to see some wildlife, but only saw one bird the whole trip. There are plenty of... more

Clingmans dome is a nice quick hike.It is paved all the way but very steep all the way up!Takes about 20 min each way.There are lot's of benches along the way for resting.Once you get to the top there is an observation tower.This is the highest point in the smokies, and the views are great when you can see them!(... more

My sister and I (both in our 40's and High Blood Pressure) did this hike. Stopped quite often, but so did young healthy people. It was very Smoky. Did not think about taking a jacket. Had on shorts and Tshirt. I was very cold before we finally made it back down. (carry one even if you dont use it.). The... more

A short half mile walk up a paved path will bring to an observation platform. The platform allows a 360 degree view of the mountains. Even in summer the climate on top of Clingmans Dome is windy and very cool (in the 40's) so bring warm clothes. Restrooms and water are near the parking area. The Forney Ridge Trail trailhead... more

Unfortunately the week we where there is was sort of rainy and foggy. The road to the top is steep, and seems rather long. Check your gas before you go. There were many turnouts and photo ops along the road to the top. The trail to the tower is paved but steep. I have slighlty bad knees so coming down... more

Nice 7 mile drive with pull offs from off Newfound Gap Rd. Another 1/2 mile hike to get to the observation tower. That 1/2 mile on foot is VERY steep but worth the effort. Definitely stop as you go for little breaks :) There were elderly people and pregnant people who made the hike while I was there, so... no... more

Hubby and I headed to Clingmans Dome and were very pleasantly surprised by the scenery and stop offs along the way. From the part entrance it's about a 20 mile drive up to the trail parking lot but there are lots of stop offs a long the way with some wonderful views and great photo opps. We arrived at Clingmans... more

Clingman's Dome was our "must do" destination in the Smokys. We saved Clingman's Dome for our final day in the Smokys, because our first two days were rainy and snowy. I had heard that views from the top wouldn't be that great on a cloudy day. So we awoke bright and early for our trek to the top. We arrived... more