Clingmans Dome, Tennessee, United States

4Grace's Parents 5:00 PM Nov 9, 2022

It is a moderately difficult hike, weather can be unpredictable but the views you can see are gorgeous
Weather can be a bugger! This is the 3rd time we have tried to see the views and the 3rd time we were foiled by the weather. BUT, I’m not totally complaining. I knew today there was a chance of the Smoky Mountains living up to their name, but since it was our last day here, I gave it a shot. The drive isn’t terrible, just very winding. People are being careful and others are driving like it’s a race. I learned to stop looking in my rearview mirror at the racers and utilized the pull offs when someone got too aggressive. It works out though…the views are spectacular at the lower altitudes before the mist comes down. Two times before we couldn’t find parking, this time we went, first parking place was open! It’s a crapshoot. We went on a Thursday about 3pm on a cool day. There were plenty of folks, just not overwhelming. The walk. Wowza. I stopped 7 times on the way up. It’s only a half mile, but don’t let that fool ya! You will make friends with others also struggling to make it up the mountain :) It takes a support team, if you’re not in great shape. I would NOT suggest this to anyone with breathing difficulties. It’s over 300 feet in altitude from start to top. Coming down is also a thrill…especially when your downhill momentum kicks in! The views… well, the parking area had great views still. On the lookout the mist was setting in so it was not great for us at all. It’s amazing how the breezes blow and change the views. In fact, we could only see about 200 yards in any direction. On the way back people were stopped along the road at a pull off. Well, and along the sides too. A mama bear and 3 cubs were near the road and river foraging. It was quite neat and I did get a few photos. So…don’t go too far off the paths and be alert. I absolutely recommend going, even if it’s not a perfect day. I checked it off my Bucket List and saw a bear family. Pretty good for a misty, cold day in November!

4KansasSwede53 5:00 PM Oct 19, 2022

Arrive before 830am peak season for Parking
We visited mid week Oct 19th 2022. We left the hotel around 7am and arrived at the Dome around 8am. Parking was about 1/4 full, 21 degrees, snow flurries and wind around 25mph. Was not prepared for such cold temps, about 15 degrees colder than Gattlinburg and much more wind. By they time we left at 10am, there was no parking available!!!! Be sure to come prepared for cold weather, ski suits, hats, gloves, etc if temps are cold. It cleared off before we left and the views are spectacular. Frankly, the views from the parking lot were good as well. FYI - restrooms, non flush. Gift shop opened at 10am, got a really nice referable jacket for $35. Limited capacity inside, so might be a wait to get in. Worth the trip for sure. Don't hurry, take your time, but arrive early for parking.