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  5. Kuwohi (Clingmans Dome)

6,643 ft · Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee

Kuwohi (Clingmans Dome)

Kuwohi (Clingmans Dome) is a 6,643 ft peak in the Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee. The standard route is the Kuwohi Observation Tower Trail: 1 mi, 337 ft of gain, Class 1.

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Kuwohi (Clingmans Dome) in the Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee

Kuwohi (Clingmans Dome) at a glance

  • Elevation6,643 ft2,024 m
  • RouteKuwohi Observation Tower TrailClass 1
  • Distance1 mi337 ft gain
  • Time0.5 - 1 hrEasy effort
  • SeasonApr – Nov
  • RangeGreat Smoky MountainsTennessee

Climbing the Kuwohi Observation Tower Trail

From Gatlinburg, Tennessee, take Newfound Gap Road (US-441) into Great Smoky Mountains National Park, then Clingmans Dome Road 7 miles to the parking area. A parking tag is required to park in the park, available on Recreation.gov. A paved but steep half-mile path leads to the spiral observation tower at the summit. The road is closed December through March due to snow. Weather changes quickly with fog and rain common even on clear valley days, so bring a jacket even in summer. Very crowded during fall leaf season. Restrooms at the parking area.

Gear and hazards

What to bring

  • Backpack (15–25 L)
  • Water
  • First-Aid Kit
  • Offline Maps
  • Trail Shoes
  • Midlayer
  • Sun Hat
  • Buff
  • GPS Device
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen

What to watch for

  • Storms
  • Low visibility
  • High winds
  • Slippery terrain
  • Heavy rain

Kuwohi (Clingmans Dome) on Yak

Climbers have shared 15 climbs of Kuwohi (Clingmans Dome) on Yak. Read their trip reports and recent conditions in the app

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Quests with Kuwohi (Clingmans Dome)

Peaks near Kuwohi (Clingmans Dome)

  1. Mount Collins

    Mount Collins

    6,191 ft · 2.2 mi away

  2. Mount Le Conte

    Mount Le Conte

    6,595 ft · 7.2 mi away

  3. Mount Kephart

    Mount Kephart

    6,218 ft · 7.7 mi away

  4. Mount Chapman

    Mount Chapman

    6,435 ft · 15.4 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Kuwohi (Clingmans Dome)?

Kuwohi (Clingmans Dome) is 6,643 feet (2,024 m) tall. It is in the Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee. It is also known as Clingmans Dome.

Is Kuwohi (Clingmans Dome) the highest point in Tennessee?

Yes. At 6,643 feet, Kuwohi (Clingmans Dome) is the highest point in Tennessee.

How hard is it to hike Kuwohi (Clingmans Dome)?

The Kuwohi Observation Tower Trail is Class 1, which means hiking on a trail. Yak rates the overall effort easy: 1 mile with 337 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to hike Kuwohi (Clingmans Dome)?

Most people take 0.5 - 1 hours round trip on the Kuwohi Observation Tower Trail, covering 1 mile with 337 feet of elevation gain.

Can a beginner hike Kuwohi (Clingmans Dome)?

Most people can. It is a short walk of 1 mile with 337 feet of elevation gain, about 0.5 - 1 hours round trip.

When is the best time to hike Kuwohi (Clingmans Dome)?

The usual hiking window is April to November. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.

Climb Kuwohi (Clingmans Dome) with Yak

Plan your route on a topo map, check the summit forecast, then log your climb and see what is left on your list

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