Peaks · Tennessee & North Carolina

Kuwohi (Clingmans Dome), the top of the Smokies

The highest peak in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the tallest point in Tennessee, with an observation tower on top. Here's the walk up, the name, and how to get the photo.

Turn your Kuwohi photo into a charm

Sample summit photo, not a customer's climb: A hiker on the Kuwohi observation tower platform holding a cardboard sign reading KUWOHI 6,643 FT, Smoky Mountain ridges behind — **Sample Summit.** An example of the kind of Clingmans Dome photo you could turn into a charm.

Clingmans Dome at a glance

Summit elevation: 6,643 feet, the highest peak in Great Smoky Mountains National Park^1,2
Standing: The tallest point in Tennessee and the highest mountain on the Appalachian Trail^3,7
The name: In September 2024 the U.S. Board on Geographic Names restored the Cherokee name Kuwohi, meaning "mulberry place," at the request of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. The park has been updating its signs and materials since.³
Where: Great Smoky Mountains National Park, managed by the National Park Service. Kuwohi Road (formerly Clingmans Dome Road) climbs to a small visitor center and the tower near the very top.^4,8
The trail: A paved but very steep path from the parking area to the tower, about 1 mile (1.6 km) round trip^1,4
At the top: The Kuwohi Observation Tower, built in 1959. It stands 45 feet tall, and a 375-foot ramp takes you up to a platform with 360 degree views when the weather allows.¹
Parking: No reservation needed, but any vehicle parked in the park more than 15 minutes needs a physical parking tag: $5 a day, $15 a week or $40 a year. The lot is often crowded, and a tag doesn't guarantee a spot.^4,5
Road season: Kuwohi Road is a seasonal road. For 2026 it was scheduled to open April 1 through November 29, and it can close for snow and ice.⁶
Weather: Clouds, rain and cold are common, and it can be 10 to 20 degrees cooler than the lowlands. Bring layers and a jacket, even in summer.¹

The observation tower

The top is marked by the round observation tower and its long ramp, not a classic summit sign, so most summit photos are on the ramp or the platform with the Smokies behind you. The park has been changing signs from Clingmans Dome to Kuwohi since 2024, so whichever name shows up in your photo, we keep it in your charm.

Getting the photo

Stand on the tower platform with the ridges behind you, or on the ramp with the tower in the frame.
Get your whole body in, head to boots.
Clouds roll in often up here. If the view is socked in, wait a few minutes for a break, and wear a layer you like being photographed in.

Clingmans Dome questions

Is Clingmans Dome the same as Kuwohi?

Yes. In September 2024 the U.S. Board on Geographic Names restored the Cherokee name Kuwohi, which means "mulberry place." The road and the tower carry the new name too.

How high is Kuwohi?

6,643 feet. It's the highest peak in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the tallest point in Tennessee, and the highest mountain on the Appalachian Trail.

How long is the walk to the tower?

About 1 mile round trip from the parking area. It's paved but very steep, so take it slow.

Do you need a reservation or a pass?

No reservation, but you need a park parking tag if you park longer than 15 minutes. Tags are $5 a day, $15 a week or $40 a year, and you can buy them online or in the park.

Carry the top of the Smokies

A steep paved mile, a long ramp and the whole Smokies around you. We cut your photo to your outline, tower and all, so you can clip that view to your pack and keep it with you.

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Sources

National Park Service, Great Smoky Mountains, Kuwohi Observation Tower.
National Park Service, Great Smoky Mountains, Frequently asked questions.
National Park Service, Great Smoky Mountains, Kuwohi name restored to the highest peak in the Smokies.
National Park Service, Kuwohi.
National Park Service, Great Smoky Mountains, Fees & passes (parking tags).
National Park Service, Great Smoky Mountains, Seasonal road schedule.
Appalachian Trail Conservancy, North Carolina.
National Park Service, Great Smoky Mountains, Kuwohi & Newfound Gap Area.

Road dates, parking rules and prices change. Check with Great Smoky Mountains National Park before you go. Facts checked October 2026.