The Marvelous Scenic Overlook That's Worthy Of Your Next Outdoor Adventure
Beth
Author
With sweeping mountain views and countless hiking trails to explore, it’s no wonder why Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most frequently visited national park in the U.S. Plus, it houses the highest point in Tennessee and the second highest point in North Carolina! This location is known as Clingmans Dome, and it’s a scenic overlook that every outdoor lover – and photographer – should experience at least once.
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Check out the short video below to enjoy views from the overlook! You’ll get a peek at the observation tower and the beautiful scenery in all directions. On a clear day, that scenery includes parts of seven states – Tennessee, North Carolina, Kentucky, South Carolina, Virginia, Alabama, and Mississippi.
Head to the NPS website for Clingmans Dome to learn more.
Have you been to the Clingmans Dome overlook? What are your thoughts? Tell us in the comments!
Explore the Great Smoky Mountains National Park further by staying a few nights. Check out what accommodations Extended Stay America has in this area.
While the hike to Clingsman Dome is certainly a highlight here, there is so much more to the park. Read further on about the Great Smoky Mountains National Park to help plan out your other adventures!
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More to Explore
Exploring Great Smoky Mountains National Park
What are the best hikes in Great Smoky Mountains National Park?
At 522,427 acres, there is much to do in this park aside from the hike to Clingmans Dome. Check out the best hikes in Great Smoky Mountains National Park:
- Mount Cammerer: This hike is 11.1 miles. At the top, you’ll get lovely views of the ocean as well as the chance to climb the lookout tower to get even more views.
- Cades Cove: For this 11-mile loop, you have the choice of hiking, biking, or even driving it. Having been here myself, I highly recommend hiking it as you can really take in all nature has to offer here.
What are the best restaurants near Great Smoky Mountains National Park?
Worked up an appetite after visiting the Clingmans Dome overlook? Stop for a bite to eat at these restaurants near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park:
- Bistro at the Bijou: About an hour outside the park in Nashville, you’ll find this comfort food restaurant. It is located next to the 1909 iconic Bijou Theatre. Favorite dishes here include bourbon-brined pork chops and jambalaya.
- Five Oaks Farm Kitchen: You’ll find this southern restaurant over in Sevierville. If you stop in, be sure to try the pot roast, fried catfish, or meatloaf here. They also serve an excellent breakfast. It's definitely on my list of spots to try!
What are the best waterfall hikes in Great Smoky Mountains National Park?
Among its over 800 miles of hiking, there are some great waterfall hikes in Great Smoky Mountains National Park:
- Abrams Falls: You can reach this waterfall via a 5.2-mile out-and-back hike. Although the falls themselves are only about 20 feet high, the volume of the waterfall is definitely a sight to be seen. It was not that easy to fit everything in during my trip to the park, but I am super happy that I got to see this waterfall!
- Rainbow Falls: At 80 feet, this waterfall is the tallest single-drop waterfall within the park. Although the hike here is a moderate 5.4 miles out and back, it’s certainly worth it to see this beautiful waterfall. And if you are lucky, you’ll see a rainbow within its mist!