Wednesday, August 13, 2014

Clingman's Dome, TN

Highpoint #17
6643 feet ASL

My family took a detour from the normal summer beach trip.  Instead, we were off to mountains of Tennessee.  We stayed in a cabin in Gatlinburg and got a taste of a truly touristy town, although I hear Pigeon Forge is even more touristy worse.  We did border Smokey National Park, with numerous hiking trails and waterfalls to explore, including the summit of the great state of Tennessee, which made the trip worth it.

I warmed up the day with a hike of Mt. LeConte.  My little sis joined me on this hike with over 2500 ft of elevation gain.  We didn't have plans to stay in the summit lodge, but saw this neat little community and enjoyed the respite at the top.

Mt LeConte GPS info


Later in the day, the entire family packed into our cars and headed to the highpoint of Tennessee.  The gang included my wife and two kids, my brother-in-law and sister and their kids, and my mom and dad.


We hoofed it up the short, but steep paved trail and to the summit monument, path thingy.  I carried my kids for a bit of the way.


The Smokies were doing their thing, so the summit was socked in clouds, but still a good trip.


We were back in our cars and headed to a much needed all you can eat dinner at the Cataloochee Ranch.

Clingman's Dome GPS info