Smoky Mountain Driving Tour:   Clingmans Dome Road

Distance: 7 miles one way

Here's short and scenic drive. It passes through the Great Smoky's high country to the park's highest peak.

At 1.7 miles you'll come to the parking area for Indian Gap Road. This was once the major north - south routh through the Smoky Mountains. Originally it was an Indian trail, but in the the 1830's it becam a popular toll road for Confederate Soldiers, farmers and herds of livestock.  Until the Newfound Gap Road opend in the 1930's, this was the best and only way to cross the mountains.

Other trailheads along the way are Chimney Tops Trail, and The Spruce Fir Nature Trail.

And finally you'll come to the Clingmans Dome Parking Area..

Clingmans Dome, elevation 6,634 feet, is the park's highest peak. There's a steep but paved half- mile trail to an observation tower -- offering 360 degree view of the Smokies.

But take note -- it can be cold and foggy at the top.

www.smoky-mountain-solitude.com