Last Day to Drive to Clingmans Dome November 30

Great Smoky National Park Announcement: The last day to drive to Clingmans Dome, also known as Kuwohi, is November 30th, weather permitting.

The road is projected to reopen on April 1, 2024, in the spring.

After November 30th, Clingmans Dome can still be accessed via the Appalachian Trail from Newfound Gap or by walking up Clingmans Dome Road, but doing so will be a strenuous 14-16-mile round trip journey. The road closes due to winter weather conditions, which make the road unsafe for vehicular travel. Please park in designated parking areas so emergency vehicles can still access the road if necessary. Visit our website for more information on seasonal road closures at https://www.nps.gov/grsm

Clingmans Dome/Kuwohi is the tallest point in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Tennessee at an elevation of 6,643 feet. The observation tower on the summit offers incredible 360° views of the park for any visitor willing to climb the steep half-mile hike, during which you gain just over 600 feet in elevation from the parking lot. On a clear day, you can see 100 miles out; on other days, you will find yourself in the clouds, where you can only see a few feet in front of you. Clingmans Dome/Kuwohi is a very popular place in the park, so please pack your patience when visiting.
 

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