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An Early Opening For Clingmans Dome Road At Great Smoky Mountains National Park

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Published Date

March 26, 2015
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Thanks to mild weather, you just might be able to tour Clingmans Dome this weekend/NPS

Barring a late snowstorm, the road to Clingmans Dome in Great Smoky Mountains National Park will open Friday. 

Park officials say that thanks to mild temperatures, crews have been able to prepare the road and facilities for the seasonal spring opening ahead of schedule. Accessible by vehicle, the 7-mile road leading to Clingmans Dome is typically closed December 1 through March 31 of each year due to winter weather.

At an elevation of 6,643 feet, Clingmans Dome is the highest point in the park and the third-highest mountain east of the Mississippi. Park visitors can enjoy views from the parking area or climb the steep, half-mile walk to the observation tower to the summit of Clingmans Dome, which offers spectacular 360° views of the Smokies. Visitors may receive information and trip planning advice at the Clingmans Dome Information Center, which includes a bookstore managed by Great Smoky Mountains Association.

The road will continue to be monitored for hazardous conditions and could be closed due to inclement weather. For the most current road closure information, please call 865-436-1200 x 631 or follow SmokiesRoadsNPS on Twitter.

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Comments

Submitted by SmokiesBackpacker on March 27, 2015 - 11:36am.

Twas a bit premature.  They just closed the road due to "freezing temperatures".

 


Submitted by beachdumb on March 27, 2015 - 12:33pm.

Just another typical winter season. No warming in almost 19 years...

ScreenHunter_8119 Mar. 26 06.12

 


Submitted by Jim Burnett on March 27, 2015 - 12:39pm.

Yep, 'tis spring, with weather swings to be expected. Forecast is sunny and 44 for Sunday and sunny and 54 by Tuesday, so in view of a generally mild spring in this area, not going ahead and opening the road as soon as conditions allow would have led to some agitation. 


Submitted by Deacon on March 28, 2015 - 2:20pm.

The Dome Road is still closed today, 6 inches of new snow at Mt. Leconte last night. Hopefully open by Monday so we can get on AT at the Dome.


Submitted by Deacon on March 29, 2015 - 5:52pm.

Clingman's Dome Road opened today for the season. Thanks to all who made this happen early.


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