Every North Carolinian or visitor to the Tar Heel State should experience the quintessential Great Smoky Mountains National Park adventure of visiting the highest peak in the Smokies at Clingman's Dome. Found along the North Carolina and Tennessee border, the Clingman's Dome Hike is an unparalleled experience that really must be on every outdoor enthusiast's bucket list. Let's take a look!

From the 45-foot round tower built in 1959, to the hike itself and the 360-degree views that sometimes stretch as far as 100 miles, Clingman's Dome is a must-see.

And trekking to the top of the observation tower is only part of the overall experience of a day trip to Clingman's. You'll first drive a scenic seven miles all the way up to just 300 feet shy of the overall 6,643-foot mountain top. Park your car and continue the last half mile on foot.

Be sure to bring plenty of water, and if you happen to forget it, you'll pass the park store on the way up.

The trail to the tower is all uphill and on a nearly steady 20-percent incline all the way to the top. Benches are strategically located along the fully-paved path so you can take a break and soak in the views.

The top is covered in a spruce-fir forest that stays green and smells wonderful year-round. This trifecta adventure just wouldn't be complete without the journey up the mountain through the dense spruce-fir forest...

Or the views!

Once you reach the base of the observation tower's ramp, you're only a few hundred feet away from the impressive tower with a 28-foot circumference and a matching round roof for protection from the summer sun or inclement weather.

It can get a bit busy up there on the tallest perch in the Great Smoky Mountains, but you'll hardly notice the other visitors.

With a view like this — in every direction — it's hard to notice anything else!

The tower at Clingman's Dome is open year-round, but only accessible from December to March to through-hikers using the Appalachian Trail or the Mountains-to-Sea Trail because the road leading to the mountain top is closed by the national park for the winter. The road reopens each year on April 1st but can be subject to further closures, should inclement weather strike.

When you're planning a visit, it's best to check the National Park Service's official website to make sure the road is open if you're traveling on the tail end of the winter season. Admission is free, of course. No pets are allowed on the trail, and you may want to bring a jacket (depending upon the season). The top of the mountain is typically 10 to 20 degrees cooler than the surrounding lower-lying areas.

For video of what the overlook has to offer, including incredible views of seven states on a clear day (Tennessee, North Carolina, Kentucky, South Carolina, Virginia, Alabama, and Mississippi), check out the short clip below. The beautiful scenery does not disappoint.

Have you done the Clingman's Dome Hike before? If so, share some pictures or comments in the section below!? And if you're looking for more adventure in The Tar Heel State, this alpine mountain coaster looks absolutely epic!