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Some stops are iconic for a reason. Kuwohi (pronounced koo-WHOA-hee)—formerly known as Clingmans Dome—in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of them. Even with the traffic, the incline, and the crowds, this is one of those views that sticks with you long after you’ve driven back down the mountain.
As the highest point in the Smokies (standing at 6,643 feet tall, the third highest summit east of the Mississippi River), it brings in more than 650,000 visitors each year to climb to the top of the observation tower and take in the 360-degree views of the Appalachian Mountains. The 1.3-mile out and back path is paved and easily accessible, and the view from the tower is nothing short of incredible.
We’ve visited the observation deck two times (once unsuccessfully during winter) and if you’re visiting on a holiday weekend like we did on Memorial Day one year, you will see plenty of cars and people walking along the trail. But that’s what comes with a spot this easy to walk to, no hiking boots required.
If you’re wondering what the views might look like before making the trip, the Clingmans Dome webcam gives a live look at current conditions.
And if the incline (337-foot elevation gain) feels a bit too intense, there’s plenty of places to stop off at and enjoy the view, plus the view from the parking lot alone will probably have you taking a few photos.
🏔️ Clingmans Dome Name Change: In September 2024, the U.S. Board of Geographic Names officially restored the mountain’s original name: Kuwohi. It’s the Cherokee name for the mountain and means “mulberry place”.
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Driving to Kuwohi
During our Memorial Day weekend, we stayed in an Airbnb on the outskirts of Bryson City, North Carolina. The (usually) 1-hour drive (36 miles) took us through some beautiful mountain scenery and twisty-turny roads. Even during a holiday weekend, traffic wasn’t an issue.
We didn’t go out of our way to time our visit perfectly, either. We left Bryson City at 2:30pm and followed US-19 until we reached the Oconaluftee Visitor Center to pick up our parking pass.
A quick heads-up about this National Park: it has a different kind of parking pass system. Unlike many other National Parks, where you just need to show your entry pass, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park requires a parking pass if you’re planning to park for more than 15 minutes.
These passes are available at various visitor centers around the park, including the one near the entrance. You can get a daily pass for $5, a weekly pass for $15, or an annual pass for $40.
We’ve visited the Smokies a few times during the off-season, and honestly, this trip didn’t feel any busier. You can pick up a parking pass using the kiosks outside of the visitor center which does help keep things speedy.
It was after picking up our parking pass and starting our drive to Kuwohi that we hit traffic. The drive from the visitor Center to Kuwohi is normally ~38 minutes on a good day. For us, it was closer to 1.5-hours. About 30 minutes of that was spent waiting in line to park.
A few cars in front of us got impatient and tried to turn around on the narrow mountain road—not something we’d recommend! We eventually parked around 4:15pm.
Driving From Other Locations:
- Gatlinburg, TN: 45 minutes along US-441 S and Kuwohi Road (23 miles)
- Pigeon Forge, TN: 55 minutes along US-441 S (31 miles)
- Asheville, NC: 1 hour 45 minutes along I-40 (77 miles)
There are only 167 parking spots total. If you would rather skip the parking hassle, take a shuttle from one of the park’s designated pickup areas.
Have your camera ready when you step out of the car—even the parking lot offers stunning views of the Appalachian Mountains.
Scenic Views from the Parking Lot
Just stepping out of the car gave stunning views to the south of the parking lot. A sidewalk (with no railing) extends around the south side of the lot where you can capture some breathtaking mountain photos without any cars in the frame.
From here, it’s easy to see how the Smoky Mountains got their name. The Cherokee people called these mountains Shaconage, meaning “place of the blue smoke.”
It’s also a great place to set up a time lapse of clouds drifting over the mountains!
We spent about 15 minutes here, taking photos and enjoying the view, before heading north to the Kuwohi Trailhead and Clingmans Dome Trail.
The Walk Up to the Tower
Even though the 0.6-mile path is paved, the walk to the Kuwohi observation tower surprises a lot of people. It may not sound like much, but the steep incline—about 337 feet of elevation gain—really stretches out your hamstrings and puts pressure on your knees. We saw plenty of visitors start the walk up only to turn back before reaching the top. Just take your time. Benches along the way give you the perfect excuse to stop, catch your breath and just take in the views of the Smokies.
The elevation makes a difference. You’re starting above 6,300 feet and climbing to 6,643, so if you’re not used to higher altitudes, you might feel winded faster than you’d expect. It reminded us of climbing the 2,744 stairs of the Manitou Incline in Colorado—not because of the distance or intensity, but because you’ve got to pace yourself.
Because the path is paved, I think a lot of visitors think it’s going to be easy. It’s not exactly a hike, but it’s steeper than most people expect. Wheelchairs and strollers will struggle here. And bicycles and pets are not allowed on the path (there are bike racks in the parking area if you’re pedaled up).
There’s a small visitor center at the base of the trail where you can grab souvenirs. If you’re coming on a holiday weekend, be prepared for a crowd (both on the path and at the top of the tower).
All of the photos here were the views (and the crowds) we saw over Memorial Day weekend.
On a clear day, the 360-degree view from the top is unreal. You can see up to 100 miles in the distance (though with today’s air quality, 20 miles is more typical). You’re also standing at the highest point along the entire Appalachian Trail (also called the A.T.). From the top, you can spot as many as seven states: North Carolina, Tennessee, Kentucky, Virginia, South Carolina, Georgia, and Alabama.
Once you make it up the incline, you’ll see the massive 375-feet long concrete spiral that leads to the top of the observation tower.
What to Bring
- Water and a snack
- Layered clothing (it’s 10–20°F cooler at the top)
- Comfortable walking shoes (seriously, don’t wear flip-flops)
- Sunscreen and a hat
- Camera or phone for the views
Other Trail Options
If you’re looking to escape the crowds, check out the Forney Ridge Trail which leads to Andrews Bald, a peaceful meadow known for summer blooms and fewer people. Or, for a longer hike with a different view, take the Mount Cammerer trail to its stunning stone lookout tower.
Clingmans Dome Name Change
There’s more to this peak than just its stunning views. In September 2024, Clingmans Dome was officially restored to its original Cherokee name: Kuwohi, which means “mullberry place”. For centuries, this mountain has been sacred to the Cherokee people, part of that ancestral homeland and deeply rooted in their cultural history.
The name Clingmans Dome was imposed in 1859, named after Thomas Lanier Clingman, a Confederate general and politician. Like many name restorations taking place across the country, this reflects a growing effort to acknowledge Indigenous connections to important landmarks and tell the full story behind the places we visit.
Best Time of the Year to Visit Kuwohi
We’ve been to the observation tower two times (once in summer and once unsuccessfully in winter) and the best time to visit Kuwohi (formerly Clingmans Dome) depends on your preferences for weather, crowds, and what you want to see. Here’s a seasonal breakdown to help you plan:
🌸 Spring (April – May)
- Road Access: Kuwohi Road typically reopens on April 1 so you can drive to the summit area.
- Weather: Cooler temperatures, especially at the summit (~10–20°F lower than surrounding areas). Sometimes you can find snow in April, especially at higher elevations.
- Highlights: You can catch budding wildflowers at lower elevations. By late May, higher elevations begin to bloom.
🌼 Summer (June – August)
- Weather: Summit temperatures typically won’t exceed 80°F. But this is also the wettest season.
- Flowers: High-elevation wildflowers, including flame azaleas, appear in late June.
- Crowds: This is peak tourist season. Arriving early in the day can help avoid the busiest times.
🍂 Fall (September – November)
- Fall Colors: Higher elevations peak in early to mid-October, with lower elevations following about one to two weeks later.
- Weather: Temperatures begin to drop, with highs in the 70s and 80s in September and 50s and 60s by November.
- Crowds: October is the park’s busiest month, with visitors looking to see the vibrant autumn leaves.
❄️ Winter (December – March)
- Road Access: Kuwohi Road closes to vehicles from December 1 through March 31, but the observation tower stays open year round. It can be accessed by hiking Kuwohi Road (17.5 miles) or the Appalachian Trail (starting at mile 72).
- Weather: Expect cold conditions with highs around freezing and lows in the teens. Snow falls are more common higher into the mountains and can reach up to two feet.
If you’re looking for the best time of day, sunrise or sunset is our go-to—cooler temps, fewer people, and beautiful views. Even blue hour or golden hour can make this place feel like magic.
As we learned on our climb up Mount Cammerer, mountain weather doesn’t always stick to a forecast. So, check the weather and road conditions before you go.
Gatlinburg WeatherPlaces to Stay Near Kuwohi
Kuwohi sits on the border of Tennessee and North Carolina, so you’ve got a few solid options depending on which side you’re coming from.
If you’re entering from the Tennessee side, Gatlinburg is the closest base—it’s touristy, but has plenty of cabins, hotels, and easy park access. Pigeon Forge is another option with more space and less traffic if you don’t mind a slightly longer drive.
On the North Carolina side, Bryson City is quieter and closer to the Deep Creek area of the park. It’s great if you want something more low-key, with a few cozy rentals and spots to grab a bite after a day of hiking.
For something more central to the park, Cherokee offers quick access to the Oconaluftee entrance and has several budget-friendly motels and vacation rentals.
Wrapping Up Our Visit to Kuwohi
Kuwohi is popular for a reason. The walk might leave your legs burning, and the parking lot might test your patience—but once you’re up at the top, looking out over the endless ridges of the Smokies, it all makes sense.
If you’re already exploring the area, this stop is well worth adding to your list. Just plan ahead, bring water, and give yourself time to enjoy it without rushing.
And even if you don’t make it all the way to the observation tower, the views from the lot alone are worth the drive.
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