By Josh Smith
Anchor / WJHL
Published: April 22, 2009

How is it that I’ve lived in East Tennessee all my life and have NEVER been to the top of Clingman’s Dome?

The highest point in the Great Smokey Mountains National Park provided stunning views last Saturday, definitely worth the long drive.

After getting through insanely crowded downtown Gatlingburg, entering the park was like entering another world.  We stopped at the Sugarlands Visitors Center and got advice from a fantastic park ranger.  We strolled to Cataract Falls which is right behind the visitors center.  Then we hopped back in the car and made the twisting trip to Clingman’s Dome.

The kids loved the tunnels -  2 big ones and 1 little one which actually was just an overpass bridge.

At the top, we parked amidst the tour buses and motorcycles at the base of the paved trail that leads to the Clingman’s Dome Observation tower.  Before we left the car, we got a real treat: a wild turkey waddling through the parking lot, nibbling on the tender spring grass and attracting a flock of camera toting tourists.  Eventually, it hopped on top of a big RV.  The crowds went wild.

After visiting the waterless eco-friendly restrooms (and did that ever spark a discussion with my 5 year old who wanted to know why the toilets didn’t flush), we began the long walk to the top.  With a toddler in a backpack, it felt like a mile.  My wife said it was more like a quarter mile, but I remain unconvinced.  We met people of all ages and apparent physical abilities on the way, and many, like me, were puffing and panting on the way up.  Our exhaustion formed a fellowship of sorts near the top.  “You’re almost there,“ I heard some of the descenders say to the exhausted ascenders.  Everyone was smiling on the way down, except for a Dad whose tweenage boy decided to run the whole way from the top to the bottom.  Somebody got a whoopin’, I bet.

At the top, you’ll find a quirky looking observation tower.  The ramp is the quirky part; it takes a big and looping twist from the ground to the tower.  After the hike, we were more than relieved that steps didn’t stand between us and the magnificent view.

And it was magnificent.  I won’t elaborate.  You have to see it for yourself.

But I will say this.  If you’re afraid of heights, the high railing won’t make that big of a difference.  My son finally had to ask, “Daddy, why are you squeezing me so hard?“

Also, take the camera, but don’t fixate on getting that great shot.  No picture can replicate the feeling of being there… and seeing there.  So just soak it in and enjoy it and let the image get etched into your mind.