Kuwohi Trailhead — Attraction in Bryson City

So... wow. Totally not what I was expecting, but hear me out. When I was looking for things to do in the area, I thought this would be a great activity. Just park at the top of the mountain and take in the views at the highest point on the Appalachian trail! Easy, right? Haaahahaa.

So we take the hour drive up the mountain, and it was gorgeous. We just had a long hot day in late spring, and we thought it would be a great location to see the sunset. We actually got there much earlier than expected, which was significantly before sunset on a great clear day.

We get to the parking lot and open the doors. It is FREEZING. It never once crossed my mind that such an altitude difference would make it so much colder. I felt really stupid! Here we were in tank tops and shorts freezing our bums off in 45° weather (the base of the mountain was high seventies at midday). To make matters worse, the gift shop was closed, so we couldn't even buy sweatshirts. But we decided to push through it anyway. We even used the outhouses and the cold breeze on your naked bum was quite an interesting sensation lol.

So I start to take some pictures only to realize that the actual dome is just half a mile away up some paved path, and I think to myself, "half a mile? Paved path? That's no big deal! Let's do this!" Haaahahaa.

The incline for someone not in shape, or rather obese if I'm being honest with myself, was pretty darn difficult. It was only a half mile but felt like 10. Added to the decreased oxygen at that altitude, I was hurting bad. Plus, I wasnt breathing right (i kept breathing in and out through my mouth instead of in through nose, out through mouth), so I was getting pretty light headed. I had to stop at every bench to catch my breath, and i wasnt even moving at a quick pace. I never felt so out of shape in my life. My skinny husband did okay, and we were no longer feeling cold once we started the climb! We saw several people turn around part way through because they had on the wrong footwear, were too cold, or it was just too challenging for them.

All in all, it was SO worth it. I got to the top and felt very accomplished, and the views were stunning. On our way back down, I was just glowing with pride and got to encourage others on their way up who were huffing and puffing.

So in summation, check the weather before you go to make sure it's not so cloudy that it blocks your views. We got lucky and it was a perfect day. bring a jacket, water, and wear decent shoes. Bring a camera. Dont get discouraged. It's lovely and worth the challenge. It's one of my fondest memories of our trip to...

Kuwohi famously and formerly known as “Clingmans Dome” is a must see when visiting The Great Smoky Mountains. Enjoy the breeze and winding roads that lead you up the mountain to the visitor center. Parking is $5 for the day and is good anywhere in The Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The visitor center is a great stop for souvenirs or maps of the Appalachian trail ( for adventure seeking hikers) The trail heads are posted along the path leading upto the dome. The trek to Clingmans is a very decent incline and be warned as the air thinning occurs you may feel sone tightening in you chest and lungs. Take your time and utilize the benches along the path. The defibrillator you passed at the entrance to the trailhead isn't just for laughs. Take your time and enjoy the beauy there is no rush. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is renowned for its exceptional biodiversity. Enjoy the views of the towering Spruce Fir Forest that surrounds you. I will include some fun facts at the end of my post. As you reach the top you will be high about the tree canopy with unobstructed views if you didn't lose your breath on the way up. You will lose it with the sheer beauty from the highest points in The Great Smoky Mountains, the highest point in Tennessee and the third highest point east of the Mississippi. At an elevation of 6,643 feet (2,025 meters) it is absolutely sight to behold. Make sure to have your cameras ready to capture the spectacular views that await you at Kuwohi.

Fun Facts….. Over 100 species of trees and 1,500 flowering plants are found within the park, along with numerous non-vascular plants, fungi, and diverse animal species. Notable animals include black bears (approximately 1,900), elk, white-tailed deer, and over 30 species of salamanders, often called the "salamander capital of the world". Protected in the park are some 65 species of mammals, over 200 varieties of birds, 67 native fish species, and more than 80 types of reptiles...

If you’re visiting Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the hike to Clingmans Dome, recently renamed Kuwohi, is a must-do. As the highest point in the park, the views are absolutely breathtaking — but be prepared, it’s a bit of a climb!

We went mid-day and found parking to be pretty difficult. The lot was packed, so plan to arrive early if you can. There are bathrooms (vault toilets) at the trailhead and a small visitor center where you can grab maps, souvenirs, and a little bit of information about the area.

The hike itself is a short 0.5 miles to the summit, but don’t be fooled — it’s steep, gaining about 330 feet in elevation in that short distance. The trail is paved and technically handicap accessible, but it’s definitely a tough push uphill. Thankfully, there are benches spaced along the way where you can rest and catch your breath.

At the top, there’s a paved spiral ramp leading up to a 360-degree observation tower where you can take in incredible panoramic views of the Smokies. You can also access the Appalachian Trail from the summit area, making it a cool stop for those looking for longer adventures.

Despite the crowds and the challenging incline, this is a fantastic hike for families. Kids will love reaching the top, and the scenery is more than worth the effort. I’d definitely recommend this hike to anyone visiting the Smokies — just come prepared for...