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Published on August 27, 2026. Last Updated on August 27, 2026.
Tucked in the heart of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Kuwohi (formerly known as Clingmans Dome) rises 6,643 feet above sea level making it the highest point in Tennessee. This iconic destination attracts thousands of visitors each year who come to experience its unique observation tower and stunning 360-degree panoramic views. After spending a lovely afternoon hiking up Kuwohi (Clingmans Dome), Buddy and I are sharing our Top 5 Tips for visiting.
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Fun Fact! Kuwohi Observation Tower was renamed from Clingmans Dome in 2024. Kuwohi is Cherokee for mulberry place.
Visiting Kuwohi (Clingmans Dome): The Details
Standing tall at 6,643 feet, Kuwohi (formerly known as Clingman’s Dome) is the highest peak in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The famous 45 foot tall observation tower, complete with 365 degree views, is accessible via a short but very steep hike on Kuwohi Observation Tower Trail.
The Kuwohi Observation Tower Trail is a 1.3 mile out and back trail with a 337ft elevation gain. But do not let the short distance fool you, the paved trail is steep. So much so that the National Park Service does not consider this trail to be wheelchair accessible. There is a large parking lot and a National Park Visitor Center and restrooms at the trail head.
Kuwohi is accessible via Kuwohi Road (formerly Clingmans Dome Road), a 7-mile spur road that branches off from Newfound Gap Road (US-441). The road is typically open from April through November, weather permitting, but closes during winter months due to snow and ice conditions. Before heading out, check the Great Smoky Mountains National Park website for current road conditions and closures. There are many scenic pull outs along the drive to stop and take in the views.
Our Visit to Kuwohi
We visited Kuwohi Observation Deck on a Sunday afternoon in early June. After hiking Laurel Falls and a scenic drive with stops at the Ben Morton Overlook, the Newfound Gap, and the Road Prong trail head.
After all of those stops on our scenic drive, we arrived a bit later than we anticipated. We got to the parking lot at 5:30pm and rushed to the Kuwohi Visitor Center before it closed at 6pm. After that we hit the trail, hiking up to Kuwohi. After admiring the view, we took a quick detour hiking a very small part of the Appalachian Trail before returning to our car. All in all we stayed at Kuwohi for a hour and a half including our hikes and time taking in the view.
Visiting Kuwohi: 5 Easy Tips
1. Enjoy the drive
The journey to Kuwohi is just as rewarding as the destination itself. The winding mountain road offers gorgeous vies and numerous opportunities to spot wildlife, including black bears, deer, and lots of birds. Take your time and pull off at one of the many scenic outlooks along the way to take in the views.
When we visited Kuwohi, we liked the drive up almost as much, if not more, than the views from the observation tower itself! The scenic drive in and of itself was incredible. The road, the trees, and driving through the “smoke” of the Great Smoky Mountains was beautiful and unlike anything we see in our desert home. Drive slowly on the mountain curves and take in the views. And the stops at the scenic pull outs are worth it.
2. The trail is steep
The half-mile trail from the parking area to the observation tower is completely paved. but, do not let the paved path fool you! the trail is steep, gaining about 330 feet in elevation over a very short distance. The grade averages around 12%, which can be challenging for some visitors, especially those not accustomed to high-altitude hiking.
Buddy and I love hiking. And we are used to some high altitude treks in the Southwest. But we definitely underestimated this trail. It was STEEP! We had to take more breaks than we anticipated. But the hike is worth the views.
3. You Might Get a Cloudy View at Kuwohi
The observation tower at the summit provides a 360-degree view that can extend up to 100 miles on clear days. It is said that on exceptionally clear days you can see seven states (Tennessee, North Carolina, Virginia, Kentucky, South Carolina, Georgia, and Alabama). However, Kuwohi sits within a cloud forest ecosystem, which means clouds and fog are common, especially during certain times of day and seasons. Early morning visits often reward hikers with clearer skies and better visibility, as afternoon clouds frequently roll in and can obscure the views.
Fun Fact! Kuwohi Tower has a concrete spiral ramp that leads to the observation deck. This unique design allows visitors to gradually ascend while taking in views from different angles and elevations. Built in 1959, the tower and has become an iconic symbol of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Unfortunately, after all our trek up the steep trail and ascent to the top of the tower, the clouds rolled in. We laughed because it is the Great Smoky Mountains after all. We did get to take in some beautiful views, but when the clouds rolled in, we did not see anything at all. So it seems views can be hit or miss depending on when you visit.
4. Hike the Appalachian Trail at Kuwohi
Kuwohi serves as a significant way point on the famous Appalachian Trail, which passes directly through the area. The trail marker at the summit indicates that you’re standing on one of America’s most celebrated long-distance hiking routes. For adventurous visitors, consider hiking a portion of the Appalachian Trail during your visit. You can access the trail from several points near Kuwohi. Even if you are not planning an extended hike, walking just a short distance on the Appalachian Trail can give you a sense of this legendary 2,190-mile trail’s character.
As hikers and trail enthusiasts, Buddy and I could not resist taking a little detour onto the famous Appalachian Trail. The section we hiked was very rocky and slippery. And there was no one else on the trail! It was just the two of us and the trees.
Pro Tip: If you are going to hike a small section of the Appalachian trail, bring a bear bell. There are black bears in the area.
5. Stop by the Kuwohi Visitor Center
Before or after hiking to the Kuwohi Observation Tower, stop by the Visitor Center. The Visitor Center offers information about hiking trails, scenic drives, and activities throughout the park. There are also trail maps, educational displays, and rangers who can offer insight into the mountain’s unique ecosystem. It’s a good place to grab a souvenir or ask about current trail conditions.
Pro Tip: Entrance to the Great Smoky Mountain National Park is free. But you do need a parking tag, which you can get at a kiosk at the Kuwohi Visitor Center and other locations throughout the park.
Any time we are at a national park, we stop by the Visitor Center. Buddy has a Passport to Your National Parks book that we stamp at very park we visit. We do wish that we would have arrived earlier to spend more time at the Visitor Center.
What to bring to Kuwohi
Even during summer months, temperatures at Clingmans Dome can be 10-15 degrees cooler than at lower elevations. Bring layers of clothing, including a light jacket or sweater, regardless of the season.
Here are some items that worked for us!
Lots of water and a refillable water bottle. We always carry extra gallons of water in our car.
Bear spray and a loud bell in case you encounter any bears. A simple first aid kit, a whistle that also has a compass and thermometer, a pocketknife. And a hiking back pack to carry it all.
Sunscreen, a hat, lip balm, a light jacket with UPF, and moisture wicking clothing (most of my stuff is from Stitch Fix).
And lastly, sturdy shoes with good traction are essential for the steep, paved trail.
A Teenager’s Perspective
Buddy says, “I did not see as many teens at Kuwohi on either the trail or the observation deck. Not compared to all the teens I saw at Laurel Falls. But the observation deck had great views. I do recommend it for teens.
Final Thoughts
Visiting Kuwohi is an opportunity to connect with one of America’s most treasured natural landscapes.. Between the winding drive, short but challenging hike, and standing atop Tennessee’s highest point, this destination is a must for anyone exploring the Smokies. Whether you are road-tripping with family, hiking, or just chasing sunset views, Kuwohi offers beauty, adventure, and a true sense of wonder.
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Hello! We are Yvonne & Buddy and we create family travel blogs based on firsthand knowledge and experiences of a destination. Our goal is to inspire teens, parents, and families to share time together engaging in new experiences whether the destination is near or far from home. Come join us on our travels!
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