Clingmans Dome
Clingmans Dome Overlook
Great Smoky Mountains NP
Image by Jonathan Ross @ www.jonathandross.com
Clingmans Dome is the highest point in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. At 6,643 feet, it is the highest point in Tennessee, and the third highest mountain east of the Mississippi and on clear days views expand over a 100 miles.
Rolling hills painted with various shades of color. Every time I come to this location I get a different shot. On a clear day one can catch sight of seven states. (Tennessee, North Carolina, Kentucky, South Carolina, Virginia, Alabama, and Mississippi.).
Images and location summary by Jonathan Ross
Trail Difficulty - EASY TO MODERATE
I would rate the difficulty of this trail as a 2 on a scale of 1-5 (with 5 being most difficult). This shot was taken in the parking lot for Clingmans Dome.
There is also an observation tower on the summit of Clingmans Dome, which offers spectacular 360° views of the Smokies. The hike to the observation tower is about 1/2 mile from the parking lot. The trail is paved but can be steep. It can also be windy and cold at this elevation so bring additional layers.
GPS Coordinates & Elevation
6,,643 ft Elevation
Photography Tips
A wide angle will let you capture a great panorama, but a longer focal length will really allow you to compress the various mountains in the distance.
Directions
CLICK HERE to get driving directions to xxx
From Gatlinburg:
View In Google earth
EXIF Data
Focal Length – 105 mm
Exposure – 1/5 sec @ f 8.0
ISO – 100
Date – Oct 27th
Time – 6:25
Other Images From This Location
Best Time of Day to Shoot
This location can be photographed at Sunrise, Early morning, Late afternoon and Sunset. However, Sunset is the best time to capture a great image (but expect larger crowds).
NOTE: due to the elevation it's hard to know if the weather will cooperate or if there will be a lot of haze. If it's cloudy you won't be able to see anything, so be prepared to make multiple trips if necessary.
Best Time of Year
This location can be photographed anytime the road is open - Fall, Summer, Spring.
NOTE: The road leading to the tower is closed seasonally, typically from early December through late March, and whenever dangerous weather conditions require.
The above image was taken on October 27th.
Lens(es) Needed
Depending on your shooting style, consider the following lenses:
Grand vistas you will want to bring a wide angel lens (16 mm - 35 mm).
For multi-stitch panos - a 24 mm - 70 mm lens
for compression shots - 70 mm - 200 mm
The image above was taken at 105 mm
Birds-Eye View
Permits
An entrance pass is not required to access Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Direction of the Shot
The direction of the shot is facing southwest.
Equipment Needed
Other than a sturdy tripod, no special photography equipment is needed at this location.
Number of Other Photographers to Expect
During peak fall time (End of October) and around sunset there will be multiple photographers. There's plenty of room in the parking however, so you shouldn't have a problem finding a spot to set up your tripod.
Weather
Cell Service
Cell service is spotty at this location.
Area Guides and Workshops
None