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Over 11 million people can’t be wrong! That’s how many people visited the Great Smokey National Park in 2016. Only the Blue Ridge Parkway (close by the Smokies) and the Golden Gate National Recreational Area receive a higher number of visitors. The Smokies cover a vast area of Tennessee and North Carolina, with a wide array of things to do and see.

Clingman’s Dome is the highest peak in Tennessee at 6,643 feet and only Mt. Mitchell in North Carolina tops it (by 41 feet) as the highest point east of the Mississippi.

The vistas from Clingman’s Dome are spectacular. On a clear day, you can see up to 100 miles across 7 states.

Known for amazing sunsets, Clingman’s Dome is also equally breathtaking at sunrise. The shot in this picture was taken at sunrise. Everyone was facing East looking into the beautiful sunrise. I happened to turn to the North and saw this amazing cloud formation, lit by the rising sun.

If you want a secure spot to view the sunrise or sunset from the viewing platform, prepare to come early. The walk from the parking lot, though not particularly far, does tax out of shape people. So give yourself time to make the hike. A great time to visit this area is during the Fall. At these higher elevations, Fall normally begins in early October, but generally, the peak Fall times in Tennessee are towards the end of October. There are plenty of places to stay nearby. From campsites within the Smokey Mountain National Park to nearby towns like Gatlinburg and Townsend (Tennessee), Cherokee and Maggie Valley (North Carolina).

While you are in the area, take some time to hike to many of the picturesque waterfalls in the Park. Go to this blog post to learn about the Top 9 Hiking Trails with Waterfalls in the Smokies. Or visit the famous Cades Cove. However, I recommend you avoid peak tourist season to navigate the loop through the cove. You will be caught in one of the most frustrating traffic jams. A unique way to visit Cades Cove is by bicycle. Twice a week the 11-mile loop is closed to vehicles until 10 am. For more information visit riding your bike through Cades Cove.

Clingman's Dome

This post was written for the 30 Places 30 Days Local Travel Challenge.

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Piers van der Merwe

Born in Zimbabwe, educated in Cape Town (UCT), now living in Knoxville, USA. I travel a lot for work, to a wide variety of venues that affords me the opportunity for taking interesting and varied photos. Hobbies, other than photography, include cycling and reading.
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