The half-mile trail to the summit of Kuwohi is paved, but very steep. During the short hike, you will gain 332 feet, which makes the climb gradient almost 13%! The Kuwohi (Clingmans Dome) hike does feature several benches along the way if you need to catch your breath during the ascent.

According to users from AllTrails.com, the best place to hike near Clingmans Dome is Newfound Gap to Kuwohi Trail, which has a 4.6 star rating from 636 reviews. This trail is 14.9 mi long with an elevation gain of 3,612 ft.

Drive 13.4 miles on Newfound Gap Road from the Sugarlands Visitor Center then turn right and follow the 7-mile-long road to the large parking area at the end. This stunning hiking destination offers panoramic mountain views, lush forest pathways, and an iconic observation tower.

Sep 21, 2024 · The Clingmans Dome hike (now known as Kuwohi) is one of the most popular trails in Great Smoky Mountain National Park. The trail takes you to the top of the highest peak in the Smoky Mountains, giving 360° views up to 100 miles!

Jan 21, 2025 · The peak of Kuwohi (formerly known as Clingman's Dome) is accessible after driving Kuwohi Road (formerly Clingman's Dome Road) from Newfound Gap, and then walking a steep half-mile Kuwohi Trail. A paved trail leads to a 54-foot observation tower.

Beginning at the Fork Ridge Trailhead on Clingmans Dome Access Rd, you’ll follow the Appalachian Trail and Mountains-to-Sea Trail up and over Mount Collins and then gradually climb to the highest peak in the Great Smoky Mountains.

The 54 foot spiral observation tower at the summit of Clingmans Dome is the real reward. Taking the hiker above the surrounding trees, the tower offers expansive 360° views. From here, you can see Gatlinburg, Cherokee, Mt. LeConte , Thunderhead Mountain, and even Mount Pisgah and Cold Mountain in Pisgah National Forest.

Jan 15, 2023 · There are five trails that will lead you to this historic site - Alum Cave Trail, Boulevard Trail, Bullhead Trail, Rainbow Falls Trail, and Trillium Gap Trail, each varying in distance and elevation, so be sure to plan.

“ Visit the highest point in Tennessee for sweeping, 360 degree views of the surrounding mountains and forest. Know This Trail? Family Friendly This short, easy-to-follow trail is perfect for the entire family—the views are incredible and the tower is a fun goal. While it is paved, the trail may be too steep for strollers.

The Kuwohi (fka Clingmans Dome) Bypass Trail drops 0.2 miles from the parking lot before coming to a junction. The trail goes off to the right and begins to climb uphill towards the Appalachian Trail (AT).