Day 176 | Clingman’s Dome and Appalachian Trail
As we entered Tennessee, we stopped at Clingman’s Dome. It’s the highest point in Tennessee at 6,643 feet above sea level. We drove to the top parking lot, then took a half mile path to the lookout point. By the time we got to the top, it was foggy, cloudy, and rainy so we couldn’t see the view of the Smokey Mountains. It was still pretty cool to be so high in the clouds though.
On our way back down to the parking lot, we stepped aside onto the Appalachian Trail, a path over 2,180 miles that goes from Georgia to Maine. We didn’t actually hike on it, but it was fun to be on the path for a little bit. The girls now have a dream of hiking the entire path (a little at a time) someday. It takes about five to seven months to hike the entire trail. I think they should go for it!
This first day in Tennessee was completed with a quick drive through Gatlinburg, Chick-Fil-A in the car while we drove by my old houses, and a short swim in the hotel swimming pool. It was a great day!
Clingmans’s Dome
I’m so glad we got a few pictures of this view before the rain came…even if we weren’t at the very top yet.
It was only half a mile to the observation tower from the parking lot, but it was pretty steep. We’re stopping for a little break.
The observation tower.
Walking to the top.
This is the view from the top. On a completely clear day you can see around 100 miles away, but usually you can only see around 25 miles away because of air pollution. It’s also common to have weather like this that almost completely blocks the view.
Looking down from the top.
There is a small break in the clouds.
The Appalachian Trail
Like I said, we didn’t hike on the trail, but we did go down the path a bit and take a few pictures.
I hope to come back and explore this area more!
Gatlinburg, TN from up high.
Driving through Gatlinburg.
We decided to see how we could make it across half the country in a sedan. The girls actually liked it pretty well! They are great travelers!
My first childhood house.
My second childhood house.
My first church.
I had forgotten that you can see the Smokey Mountains from many places in Maryville. So many pretty views!
The girls were happy to swim, but it didn’t last long because the water was so cold!