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At 6643 feet Clingmans Dome is the highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It is the highest point in Tennessee and the third highest mountain east of the Mississippi. The observation tower on the summit of Clingmans Dome offers spectacular 360 views of the Smokies and beyond for visitors willing to climb the steep half-mile walk to the tower at the top. Clouds precipitation and cold temperatures are common at Clingmans Dome. Temperatures at the dome can be 10 -20 degrees Fahrenheit cooler than in the surrounding lowlands. In fact the cool wet conditions on Clingmans Domes summit make the spruce-fir forest that grows there a coniferous rainforest. Dress in layers and be sure to bring a jacket even in summer. Although Clingmans Dome is open year-round the road leading to it is closed from December 1 through March 31 and whenever weather conditions require. Its seven miles to the end of Clingmans Dome Road and there are scenic pullouts with endless views of ridges and valleys along the way. The road ends in a large parking area from which a 0.5 mile trail leads to the summit. The trail is paved but steep and leads to an observation tower on top. Besides the trail to the summit there are several trails that start on Clingmans Dome Road and parking area. The Appalachian Trail AT crosses Clingmans Dome marking the highest point along its journey from Georgia to Maine. The Forney Ridge Trail leads to Andrews Bald a high-elevation grassy bald. To get to Clingmans Dome take 441 through the Park and turn off .1 miles south of Newfound Gap and follow the 7-mile Clingmans Dome Road to the large parking area at the end. 122 SmokyMountainNavigator.com NationalPark Mileage to Clingmans Dome From Cherokee - 25 mi From Gatlinburg - 23 mi Gregory Bald T-12 Distance 11.6 Miles Difficulty Strenuous This hike is not an easy one but those who choose to take it can look forward to one of the finest views in the Smokies. Overlooking the beautiful Cades Cove basin Gregory Balds also offers a mid- June spectacle of azaleas. This hike is intended for experienced hikers and will often take an average of four hours just to reach the Balds. Ramsay Cascades T-13 Distance 8.0 Miles Difficulty Strenuous Ramsay Cascades offers one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the Smoky Mountains but the trek arriving there can be very difficult to traverse. Though the trail begins as a fairly easy path it becomes a rocky surface that can become very slick and dangerous when moist. Lying deep within the serene surroundings of the mountains the trail takes visitors through pristine wilderness to two streams cascading over a ledge and forming an immaculate scene that begs for a picnic lunch. Though this trail offers an amazing destination make sure that you are up to the trip. Spence FieldRocky Top T-14 Distance 12.0 Miles Difficulty Strenuous This trail begins at the Cades Cove Picnic Grounds and takes visitors on a tour that culminates at Thunderhead Mountain. Though the trip is not an easy one it offers visitors the opportunity to view Thunderhead the highest peak in the western Smokies and Spence field the largest bald in the park. This trail is fairly steep and offers quite a challenge to novice hikers but it offers both views and magnificent scenery in route to an unforgettable destination.