Definitely worth a visit. Make sure to stop at the Sugarland Visitors’ Center on the way there to buy your $5 parking pass. But get there early (it opens at 10 am). We arrived shortly before noon and cars were backed up in the lot, waiting for a parking spot. We did get lucky and found a spot, but by the time we left about 90 mins later, the cars were backed up all down the road itself. The hike up to the observation dome is 1/2 mile and paved, with a few benches on the way up to stop and rest. It would be helpful if they put up signs saying “0.4 miles to go” and then “0.3 miles to go” but they haven’t done that. On the way back down people kept asking us “how much farther is it?” BTW if you forget to get your parking pass, the little shop up from the parking lot does sell them. Anyway, the view from the top of the observation tower is worth the walk up, and it’s great exercise!

The highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains, so has to be worth stopping. The walk from the car-park isn't too long, but is steep in places so make use of the benches that are placed along the way. The lookout itself is great, and I should think that on clear days the views would be incredible. Unfortunately for us, the mist was pretty think so we really couldn't see much, but that's not anyone's fault. Whatever it is you can or can't see, you're still out in the open in a wonderful place. Still pretty crowded even in mid-September.

Visited in late September 2023 on a Tuesday about 3pm or so. The 7 mile drive to the parking area was as pretty as elsewhere in the park. Parking was available but lots of people milling about. We were told that parking can be tight when the park is very busy. Pit toilet restrooms are available in the parking area. (By 3pm they definitely needed cleaning.) It’s a ½ mile hike almost straight up a wide paved path to the observation tower. There are benches and lots of large rocks to stop and catch your breath. It’s a long sloping spiral to the top of the tower. May be an issue for those that have vertigo as the sides consist of a low maybe chest high wall. Great views from the top but that somewhat depends on the day and weather. A unique perspective on the park. There is the usual small park store/visitor center like many of the other areas here. Remember your parking pass.

My husband and I loved the views on this hike. It was somewhat challenging to get up the hill, but we took our time and took breaks along the way. It is short though and definitely worth it. One big thing to note about this hike that I didn’t expect was the parking. I read that parking was somewhat difficult, but I didn’t realize how bad it may be. We waited for well over an hour in traffic to get up to the parking lot. After we had waited for quite awhile, we saw lots of people walking up on the side of the road from the overlook parking areas. I would suggest doing this rather than waiting in line for parking at the top. No one is directing traffic at the top so it is pretty chaotic. Even leaving took about 20 minutes. As much as I hate the reservation systems they have in place at other parks, I understand why they have them. If not, it is a parking and traffic nightmare like it is here. I still suggest going, but just be prepared.

First time to visit the dome in the fall. Getting to the parking lot took forever as there were many people out on the day we were there. The walk is an elevation however very easy to navigate. There are bench seats along the path. The views all around the dome were spectacular. The trees had color but not at their peak.

Worth the hike...not hike...rather a brisk uphill walk on a paved path. I had researched Clingmans Dome knowing my low activity level. So in the end I did not make it to the top. However, my husband went ahead and snapped several amazing pictures. I would say it took him about 40 mins. to reach the summit, then up the ramp and observation tower. Also lovely was the hour+/- drive to Clingmans Dome from Gatlinburg, stopping at a few lookouts spots, including Newfound Gap.

We got there 20 minutes before the sunrise, there were plenty of parking spots. The sky was showing red color, the sunrise was very beautiful and special. After sunrise, we walked to the dome for the 360 view. Seeing the clouds and mountains below us, it was amazing.

We planned this stop as we headed to Smokey Mountains down Blue Ridge Parkway, across Newfound Gap Rd. As we got towards the site, the traffic was horrendous (little did we know that it was Fall break and many families travel during this time). We were already there and were determined to see this site so hunkered down for the wait. The Smokey Mountains has the least amount of parking of any national park we have visited (and we have been to a lot of them). It took about 45 min+ on the Access Road but we finally got closer and parked. The road is paved to get to the Observation deck but it is an uphill walk all of the way there. I did get a bit breathless a few times but was not deterred. The road crosses the Appalachian Trail. Once we arrived, and we were luck it was clear (it can be under full cover) there is a 360 degree view of the entire area. Well worth seeing.

Stopped here while in the Smokey Mountains, and wow what a trip. Strenuous hike all up hill, but we'll worth it once you make it to top. Views are priceless. Hike is strenuous, but there are plenty spots to stop and rest along the way.

This "climb" was a real trip. The ride up to the parking lot was a bit harrowing in places but very interesting and gorgeous. Be sure to bring a warm jacket and head covering because once you start climbing up this "Dome" it can get pretty cold. I saw people in shorts and tees and they were freezing. I think one should also be in good shape, (especially with their knees), to do this climb. It is very steep but, thankfully, there are benches here and there to take a breather and "chill out". People are so friendly. The higher we went, it got steeper and steeper and my guy and I (in our mid 70's!) thought we may not make it up. But, we sucked it up and trudged up that mountain and made it and saw the most awesome sight - those gorgeous smokies in the clouds along with us in it. We shall not forget this experience. It was well worth it. Plus, going down is a piece of cake and its own reward