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 Reporter |
Summary: Tourist and locals flock to Clingmans Dome every year to see the views from one of the highest peaks east of the Mississippi River. But instead of driving up the road then using the paved walkway we used the Appalachian Trail (A.T.). Clingmans Dome 6643 ft. and Mt Collins 6188 ft are just two of the forty peaks in the South Beyond 6000 program. The SB6K covers 20 peaks in TN. and 20 peaks in N.C. and when the peaks have been reached it is known as peak bagging. Visit www.carolinamtnclub.com for more details on SB6K. The last 1.5 miles is the only tough part and it is tough, you will ascend over 1000 ft during this stretch. You never know what the weather (rain/cold gear) will be like or the views (multiple rolls of film) from Clingmans Dome. When we hiked Andrews Bald you could barely see the ground from the tower from the dense fog but on this day we could see for many miles including Fontana N.C., Cades Cove, Pigeon Forge and several other peaks in the SB6K. Trailhead: I-40 Exit 407 follow Hwy 66 South 8 miles to 441 South to Gatlinburg; 441 South to Newfound Gap ( approximately 20 miles), turn right on Clingmans Dome Road (just past Newfound Gap Parking Area). Fork Ridge Trailhead: trail intersects Clingmans Dome Road from the N.C. side 4 miles from Newfound Gap. There is a small parking area in front of the trailhead. By crossing the road to the TN. side you will find the Appalachian Trail which leads to Mt Collins and Clingmans Dome ****GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK**** *****Clingmans Dome Road closed Dec 1 to Mar 31***** (Lat:35.59032 Lon:-83.46946) Trail Guides for AT Clingmans Dome/Mt. Collins: White Blaze Fever by Bill Schutte (Virtualbookworm.com) Best Seasons: Fall, Spring, Summer, User Groups: Hikers, Ranger Contact: GSMNP Headquarters 865-436-0120 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Bobby Trotter, who has posted 74 other hikes on this site Trail Reviews Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Lance on 6/24/2006 I set out on the hike from New Found Gap to Clingman's and I didnt know what i was in for. I read on this site about a 6 or so mile trip. When we got started we saw a trailhead sign that said 12 some miles one way. The hike was great, but 20 miles(after Clingman's we went to Andrew's Bald) was a killer on my right knee. It was a great hike though, might should have studied a shorter hike with our short time frame, that we had to extend. HAHA
Reviewed by Troy B on 7/3/2004 I hiked Clingmans from the base to the top. It was a very steep climb, but no too difficult. There is plenty of water along the way. Enjoy. Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: Tennessee Hiking, Tennessee Trails, Tennessee Hikes, Sevier County Hiking, Sevier County Trails, Sevier County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||