Some consider the spiraling observation tower perched atop the Great Smoky Mountains a concrete blemish overlooking the pristine landscape of the nation’s most visited National Park that welcomed some 13 million guests in 2023.
Eyesore or not, we made the half-mile uphill trek last summer to the tower that sits on the peak known as Clingmans Dome – at least it was when we did the hike just weeks before the name officially changed last September to Kuwohi (pronounced koh-woh-hee) and meaning “mulberry place” in Cherokee.
Whatever you call it or think about it, the impressive 54-foot tower built in 1959 dominates the peak’s skyline, standing prominently along the park’s North Carolina-Tennessee border. A winding 375-foot ramp leads to a circular platform, where visitors are rewarded with a stunning 360-degree panoramic view that supposedly extends to 100 miles on a clear, haze-free day.
We reached the summit late in the afternoon, just as the mist started rolling in – a common occurrence in the Smokies, even in summer. For the best experience, plan your visit earlier in the day when the skies are clear. Alternatively, you may want to aim for a sunrise or sunset visit, which is reportedly stunning, weather permitting.
While the scenic view from the tower is splendid, the trail offers its own beauty. To the left (northwest) side, wildflowers and lush vegetation stretch along the path up, with dramatic mountain scenery unfolding in the distance. And while the right side is enclosed by a dense spruce-fir forest, the dramatic landscape view makes the hike just as rewarding as reaching the destination.
If you’re not accustomed to walking uphill, be prepared – the paved trail has a 12% grade. While that might not seem steep at first, it could be challenging. So take your time and pace yourself. Fortunately, there are plenty of resting spots along the way where you can catch your breath and enjoy the experience. We saw many seniors taking it slow, while others sprinted past us in a blur that would make “The Flash” proud.
Be ready for crowds, too, as it’s an incredibly popular hike. We visited in August, so it was the busy summer season and scorching hot. Fall would be a great alternative with fewer crowds, lower temperatures, and no doubt glorious autumn colors blanketing the horizon.
Kuwohi Road (formerly Clingmans Dome Road) winds several miles to the tower parking area, so be sure to pause at the numerous pullover areas along the way to appreciate those views as well. The road is only open from April 1 until the end of November, and during winter, it may receive over 70 inches of snow. But you can still hike to the tower by first tackling the ascending 7-mile road on foot. Just remember to pack your snowshoes.
Nick Thomas teaches at Auburn University at Montgomery in Alabama and has written features, columns, and interviews for many newspapers and magazines. His hiking column describes short trails, hikes, and walks from around the country that seniors might enjoy while traveling. See www.ItsAWonderfulHike.com.