High Points Driving Tour: Clingmans Dome & Newfound Gap Scenic Drive in the Great Smoky Mountains
Difficulty
easy
Duration
3 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; primarily a vehicle-based tour with short, optional walks on even paths.
Overview
Drive the Crest of the Smokies on a three-hour guided tour that climbs above 5,000 feet to Clingmans Dome. Expect sweeping overlooks, spruce-fir forests and stories of Cherokee history and post-logging recovery.
High Points Driving Tour: Clingmans Dome & Newfound Gap Scenic Drive in the Great Smoky Mountains
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The van rises into the clouds as Newfound Gap Road climbs out of Sugarlands Valley, and the world outside the window thins to ridgelines, spruce crowns and an unexpected cold that arrives several thousand feet above the towns below.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Layer for rapid temperature change
Temperatures can drop 20°F between Gatlinburg and Clingmans Dome—bring an insulating midlayer and wind shell.
Check road and weather status
Newfound Gap Road closes for ice, high winds or fog; verify park alerts the morning of your tour.
Bring a camera with zoom
Overlooks and the Appalachian Trail viewpoint reward telephoto lenses for ridgeline and valley shots.
Stay hydrated and fueled
Although the tour provides bottled water and snacks, carry a refillable bottle—high-elevation exertion dehydrates faster.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Black bear
- Red-tailed hawk
History
The area experienced large-scale logging in the early 20th century. The creation of the national park and reforestation efforts in the 1930s allowed the forest to recover over decades.
Conservation
Stay on designated overlooks and trails to protect fragile high-elevation spruce-fir habitat; packed litter and road runoff can harm regrowing forest soils.
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Adventure Hotspots in Gatlinburg
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Insulating midlayer
Keeps you comfortable during sudden temperature drops at high elevation.
Sturdy walking shoes
Useful for short, uneven sections through the spruce-fir understory and overlook loops.
Water bottle (refillable)
Hydration matters at altitude—carry a liter for the tour and any short walks.
Telephoto lens or binoculars
Helps capture distant ridgelines, wildlife, and sweeping valley compositions.