Clingman's Dome is claimed by Tennessee, although North Carolina has sufficient claim to call it theirs (officially the peak it is TN, but the state line runs across the peak).  It's a moot point, since Mt. Mitchell lies just 70 miles to the northwest in North Carolina.  Clingman's Dome offers spectacular views of the Smokies, but often the view is obscured by clouds and/or haze.  While this peak is generally considered very accessible, it does require a 1/2 mile hike with a gain of about 330 ft.  While not strenuous, we did see a lot of folks huffing and puffing.  Hunter, on the other hand, was jogging up the trail!

We were unable to find a geodetic marker at the summit - either on the ground or on the tower.  We did, however, find a geo at the parking lot right next to the bathrooms (shown below).

Being from NC, I always welcome the chance to get back here.  The summers here offer a nice reprieve from the typical North Carolina heat.  Winter is actually the season for viewing - the cold air cuts the humidity and that is when you can best see Mt. Mitchell to the northeast or stargaze.  In the winter, the key is getting to the top through the snow.

To get to Clingman's Dome, you can come from Gatlinburg TN, or Cherokee NC.  Both of these towns recognized the huge number of visitors and have become tourist meccas.  It's sad, since I remember these areas from years ago when the "honky-tonk" areas were limited in size.  Now, the roadsides are covered with signs that scream, "Have your picture taken with a REAL Indian", or "See a LIVE bear".  I think the hardest thing to find up there is dignity for the folks that occupied the land hundreds of years ago.  

If you really want to experience the beauty of the land, drive to Newfound Gap, and hop on the Appalachian Trail for a few miles.  Visit Mt. LeConte, Icewater Springs, and best of all Charlie's Bunion.  This should take you away from the rubberneckers.

UPDATE - We revisted on June 23, 2005 and snapped a few new pics.