"Must See" Places In The Smokies

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CLINGMANS DOME

At 6,643 feet, Clingmans Dome is the Great Smoky Mountains National Park's highest point. It is the highest point in Tennessee, and the second highest point east of the Mississippi. Only North Carolina's Mt. Mitchell (6,684 feet) rises higher.

Although Clingmans Dome is open year-round, the road leading to it is closed from December 1 through April 1, and whenever weather conditions require. People can hike and cross-country ski on the road during the winter.

Clingmans Dome is a popular Park destination. Located along the state-line ridge, it is half in North Carolina and half in Tennessee. The peak is accessible after driving Clingmans Dome Road from Newfound Gap, and then walking a steep half-mile trail. A paved trail leads to a 54-foot observation tower. The Appalachian Trail crosses Clingmans Dome, marking the highest point along its 2,144 mile journey

The Sugarlands Visitor Center is two miles south of Gatlinburg, TN on Newfound Gap Road (US Route 441). It is open daily from 8:00am - 4:30pm except for Christmas Day. Hours are extended during busy seasons.

The visitor center facilities include native flower gardens, a museum, an eleven minute audio-visual program, bookstore, park information, and live programming. In spring, summer, and fall Ranger-led programs provide a special look at the Great Smokies.

The museum exhibits highlight the diversity and abundance of life within the National Park. Animal displays from each of the Smokies' five forest types allow a long look at fleeting creatures. Preserved animals including a bear, wild hog, deer, fox, and wild turkey. Smaller animals include songbirds, snakes, and salamanders. The recreated foliage is art; it is perfect to the smallest detail. Many people have a hard time believing that the beautiful flowers and leaves are not real.

If you have any questions or need more information about the visitor center please call (423) 436-1291

Waterfalls adorn most every stream in the Smokies. Only one waterfall, Meigs Falls, is visible from the road. It is 12.9 miles west of the Sugarlands Visitor Center, near the Townsend Wye. All others require hiking, and range from easy to strenuous. Below is a listing of the Smokies best known falls:

Laurel Falls is the easiest waterfall hike on the Tennessee side of the park. It is 2.5 miles roundtrip, and follows a paved trail. The trail cuts through the middle of a series of cascades. Laurel Falls is 60 feet high.

Grotto Falls It is 2.4 miles roundtrip though a hemlock dominated forest. Grotto Falls is distinctive as the only waterfall in the park one can walk behind.

Chasteen Creek Falls is a 4-mile roundtrip hike out of the Smokemont Campground. A small, but graceful fall, this area makes a good moderate hike.

Indian Creek Falls is a 1.5 mile roundtrip hike out of the Deep Creek Area. Sliding down 35 feet of sloping rock strata, the water livens and cools the air. Along the route is Toms Branch Falls, another a beautiful fall.

Henwallow Falls is near Cosby Campground, south of Cosby, Tennessee. It is a 4.4 mile roundtrip along a moderate trail. This 45-foot fall receives less visitation than many other area falls.

Abrams Falls is a 5-mile roundtrip hike. The trail begins in the back of Cades Cove loop road and is a moderate hike. Abrams Falls has the largest water volume of any park fall, and is among the most photogenic.

Ramsay Cascades is a strenuous 8-mile roundtrip hike. The trailhead begins in the Greenbrier Area. A magnificent scene, Ramsay Cascades tumbles over 100 feet among a spectacular setting.

Rainbow Falls, at 80 feet, is the highest single plunge water takes in the park. It is a 5.5-mile roundtrip hike. It is rated between moderate and strenuous. This trail makes a good challenge and reveals a beautiful fall.

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