At 6,643 feet, Climgmans Dome is Great Smoky Mountains National Park highest point.  It is the highest point in Tennessee, and the second highest point east of the Mississippi.  Only North Carolina's Mt. Mitchell (6,684 feet) rises higher.  Clingmans Dome is a popular Park destination.   Located along the state-line ridge, it is half in North Carolina and half in Tennessee.  The peak is accessible after driving Clingmans Dome Road from Newfound Gap, and then walking a steep half-mile trail.  A paved trail leads to a 54-foot observation tower.  The Appalachian Trail crosses Clingmans Dome, making the highest point along its 2,144 mile journey.  Vistas from Clingmans Dome are spectacular.  On clear, pollution-free days, views expand over 100 miles and into seven states.  However, air pollution limits average viewing distances to 22 miles.  Despite this handicap, breathtaking scenes delight those ascending the tower.  It is a great place for sunrises and sunsets (however, after a sunset, driving home in the dark can be quite a challenge).  Cloudy days, precipitation, and cold temperatures reveal the hostile environment atop Clingmans Dome.  Proper preparation is essential for a good visit.  Weather conditions atop Clingmans Dome change quickly.  Snow can fall anytime between September and May.  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.  Berries thrive in the open areas, and a young forest will replace the dying trees.  Although Clingmans Dome is open year-round, the road leading to it is closed from December 1 through April 1, and whenever weather conditions require.  People can hike and cross-country ski on the road during the winter.  Ed captured this image of the tower on Clingmans Dome.


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