About Kuwohi (Clingmans Dome) Paved Trail
Kuwohi (formerly Clingmans Dome) is the highest point in Great Smoky Mountains National Park at 6,643 feet, and the National Park Service describes the walk to the observation tower as a 1-mile round trip along a steep paved path. The tower looks out across the Smokies on clear days. The park renamed the peak Kuwohi in 2024, restoring its Cherokee name.
The walk
The path climbs about 300 feet in half a mile. It is paved, but the grade is steep enough that many people stop to catch their breath, and the thin air at this elevation does not help. A ramp spirals up to the tower platform. Views can be great or nothing at all depending on cloud; if the tower is socked in, the forest of spruce and fir along the path is still worth the trip.
When to go
Kuwohi Road is seasonal: in 2026 it is open April 1 to Nov. 29 and closes whenever snow or ice sets in. Sunrise and sunset are popular but cold even in summer. October weekends fill the lot by mid-morning.
Getting there
From Newfound Gap Road, follow Kuwohi Road about seven miles to the end. NPS warns of crowds and full parking and suggests a shuttle if you can. No timed-entry tickets or reservations are needed.
The park charges for parking rather than entry: a parking tag is $5 a day, $15 a week or $40 a year, required for any vehicle parked more than 15 minutes. America the Beautiful and other federal passes are not accepted.
Know before you go
Bring a warm layer and rain gear even in summer, since the summit is much cooler than Gatlinburg. For a longer walk from the same lot, see Andrews Bald.
Pair it with
Other hikes in the same part of the park:
- Andrews Bald: a 3.6-mile round trip to a grassy bald
- Charlies Bunion: an 8-mile round trip on the Appalachian Trail
Planning and safety
Allow about two miles per hour on rolling mountain trail, then add time for photos, snacks and rest. Start by mid-morning at the latest so you finish with daylight, and decide on a turnaround time before you leave the car.
Weather in the Smokies changes fast, and it is noticeably cooler as you climb. Bring a rain layer even on a sunny morning, wear shoes with good traction, and carry more water than you expect to need. Black bears live throughout the park, so stay at least 50 yards away, never feed wildlife and store food properly. The park's hiking safety guidance is worth a read before any trip.
Good to know
- How long is Kuwohi (Clingmans Dome) Paved Trail?
- Kuwohi (Clingmans Dome) Paved Trail is 0.5 miles one way (1.0 miles round trip), with about 300 feet of climbing. It is rated moderate.
- Are dogs allowed on this trail?
- No. Inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park, dogs are allowed only on the Gatlinburg Trail and the Oconaluftee River Trail.
- Do I need a parking tag to hike here?
- A Park It Forward parking tag ($5 a day, $15 a week or $40 a year) is required for any vehicle parked more than 15 minutes inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Entry is free, and federal passes such as America the Beautiful do not replace the tag.
