The Top of the Smokies

The Top of the Smokies (HMTG3)

Location: Bryson City, NC 28713 Swain County
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Country: United States of America
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N 35° 33.416', W 83° 29.778'

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Clingmans Dome

At 6,643 feet, Clingmans Dome is the highest mountain in Great Smokey Mountains National Park and is one of the highest peaks in the eastern United States.

An observation tower at the summit takes you above the treetops for a panoramic view. Climatic conditions, however, may interfere with long-range viewing, Clouds sometimes shroud the tower and rain in frequent. Be prepared for cooler temperatures and wind.

The paved trail to the observation tower is steep. Your body may not be used to the thinner air up here. If you experience shortness of breath, slow down or stop to rest.

Distance to Clingmans Dome: ½ mile
Ascent from parking area: 330 feet
Walking time to tower: 30 minutes

Please help to preserve the park for all to enjoy. It is unlawful to remove or disturb plants or animals or to remove or deface natural or historical features. Pets are prohibited on the paved trail to the observation tower and on all other trails in the area.

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As you walk to the observation tower, notice the dead trees along the trail. They were Fraser firs, which grow only at the highest elevations in the Smokies.

During the past 30 years, a tiny insect that was accidentally introduced from Europe, the balsam woolly adelgid, has killed more than 70 percent of the park's mature firs. Adelgids feed on tree sap, interfering with the flow of water and nutrients. They can kill a fir within a few years.

From the tower today you might see the misty blue-gray clouds for which these mountains were named. These clouds occur naturally as a result of great quantities of evaporating moisture.

Unfortunately, you might also see am unnatural whitish haze that limits your view-air pollution. Sulfate particles, mainly from coal-fired power plants, scatter sunlight and are the chief source of the whitish hazy pollution.
Details
HM NumberHMTG3
Tags
Placed ByGreat Smoky Mountains National Park
Marker ConditionNo reports yet
Date Added Wednesday, October 8th, 2014 at 11:01pm PDT -07:00
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Locationbig map
UTM (WGS84 Datum)17S E 273739 N 3937674
Decimal Degrees35.55693333, -83.49630000
Degrees and Decimal MinutesN 35° 33.416', W 83° 29.778'
Degrees, Minutes and Seconds35° 33' 24.96" N, 83° 29' 46.68" W
Driving DirectionsGoogle Maps
Area Code(s)828
Closest Postal AddressAt or near 1075-1079 Clingmans Dome Trail, Bryson City NC 28713, US
Alternative Maps Google Maps, MapQuest, Bing Maps, Yahoo Maps, MSR Maps, OpenCycleMap, MyTopo Maps, OpenStreetMap

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