Clingman's Dome

Every time Adam and I have vacationed in Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge, we've always meant to go to Clingman's Dome, but something happens and we don't get to go. Usually it's because we're there after the road has closed for the winter and we can't get up there. We had decided a few weeks ago that we would go up there today. We ended up having our nephews, Noah and Jack, stay with us for a few days so we brought them along.

Clingman's Dome is the highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and in Tennesse at 6,643 feet. It is also the 2nd highest peak east of the Mississippi. The trail from the parking lot to the top was about 1/2 a mile and was paved the entire way. It was a steep hill, but all the kids walked the whole way with several rest stops on the way up. Coming down was a lot easier!

Having a snack before starting on the trail

Samuel and Jack

Me, Jack, Samuel, and Noah at the bottom of the trail

Samuel and I resting on the trail

Samuel climbing "the mountain" (his description)

View from the top

Samuel and I at the top

Another view from the top

Going back down the trail

Stopped on the way down

Adam took this picture as we were driving back down to Gatlinburg. It's a view of Chimney Tops. One day we're going to do that trail too, but we'll have to wait till Samuel's older because I think its one of the strenuous ones.