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Highbinder
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« on: November 19, 2017, 06:09:41 AM » |
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I was looking at the top 5 scenic roads in America and this road...Clingmans Dome was in the list, I've spent a lot of riding time down in that part of the country and this is the first I've heard of it. I was wondering if any of you have ridden it and where is it?  |
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3fan4life
Member
Posts: 6997
Any day that you ride is a good day!
Moneta, VA
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« Reply #1 on: November 19, 2017, 06:17:17 AM » |
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From the Web: Credited as the highest point in Tennessee, Clingmans Dome sits at 6,643 feet above sea level. It’s the third tallest mountain east of the Mississippi River. Visitors to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park can travel along the seven-mile stretch of Clingmans Dome Road to Visitors Center and trailhead that leads to the summit’s observation tower. Along Clingmans Dome Road are several scenic areas with pullouts that allow for photo opportunities of the Smoky Mountain range.
The seven miles of winding road offer views of nature ranging from mountain valleys to sculpted ridges and a variety of woodland. The road closes from December 1 through March 31 (and during inclement weather); although Clingmans Dome and the observation tower are open year-round. At the end of the twisting road are a large parking area and the Visitors Center. Restrooms are available. I've never been out to it. But from looking at the map it runs off of US441 near the top of the mountain near the TN/NC line. It's one of those roads that I've been past a 100 times but have never ventured down. I may have to fix that. |
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1 Corinthians 1:18  |
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Jess Tolbirt
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« Reply #2 on: November 19, 2017, 06:37:42 AM » |
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you walk to the top and it goes uphill,, but coming down is easy..
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DirtyDan
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« Reply #3 on: November 19, 2017, 07:20:50 AM » |
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you walk to the top and it goes uphill,, but coming down is easy..
Note the hand rails.......OH I would of RODE that ! Dan |
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Do it while you can. I did.... it my way
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Oss
Member
Posts: 12765
The lower Hudson Valley
Ossining NY Chapter Rep VRCCDS0141
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« Reply #4 on: November 19, 2017, 07:43:07 AM » |
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is that a doable day trip from Inzane?
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If you don't know where your going any road will take you there
George Harrison
When you come to the fork in the road, take it
Yogi Berra (Don't send it to me C.O.D.)
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Bighead
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« Reply #5 on: November 19, 2017, 08:15:57 AM » |
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you walk to the top and it goes uphill,, but coming down is easy..
The path going up to the picture you see is very steep and I advise you be in pretty good shape to walk up it ??? There are several benches along the path for you to sit and rest  I walked up it about 15 yrs ago and swore to never do it again  |
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1997 Bumble Bee
1999 Interstate (sold)
2016 Wing
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six2go #152
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« Reply #6 on: November 19, 2017, 08:26:46 AM » |
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Your pic is showing the walkway to the observation tower at the top of Clingman's Dome. The actual road to the parking lot is(as someone else mentioned)is a turn off from 441 in the vicinity of Newfound Gap. I've ridden and driven up to Clingman's Dome several times. The parking lot is several miles up the road from 441.
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Pete
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« Reply #7 on: November 19, 2017, 09:01:22 AM » |
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Yes have done it several times as it is close by.
441 is a nice ride except for the tourist traffic, so is Clingman Dome. Nice view.
Worth doing if in the area, typical Smoky Mountain view.
Recommendation do it on a week day not close to any holiday.
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Highbinder
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« Reply #8 on: November 19, 2017, 09:11:46 AM » |
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you walk to the top and it goes uphill,, but coming down is easy..
The path going up to the picture you see is very steep and I advise you be in pretty good shape to walk up it ??? There are several benches along the path for you to sit and rest I walked up it about 15 yrs ago and swore to never do it again That explains why I never heard of this place, I don't like going anyplace that requires a lot of walking, especially a walk uphill  Let's hope the ride up to the parking lot is worth it. |
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3fan4life
Member
Posts: 6997
Any day that you ride is a good day!
Moneta, VA
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« Reply #9 on: November 19, 2017, 10:00:28 AM » |
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is that a doable day trip from Inzane?
Technically Yes. But, not worth it. It would be a 600mi roundtrip. |
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1 Corinthians 1:18 |
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Cleaver
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« Reply #10 on: November 19, 2017, 10:05:38 AM » |
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Its a nice ride to Clingmans Dome. The walk to the observation deck is a little tiring. I went with a couple of youngsters and they talked me into it. I'm a little overweight and out of shape, but I made. The view from the top was excellent, the view from the parking lot is quite good also. The road to the dome is the same going and coming, no way to make a loop out of it. I thought it was worth it.
Marty
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NewValker
Member
Posts: 1390
VRCC# 36356
Oxford, MA
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« Reply #11 on: November 19, 2017, 11:58:22 AM » |
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Did Clingman's Dome 4 years ago. Road was freshly paved, but as mentioned, same road in & out. I made it to the top, but thought I was gonna die! But glad I did, ain't gotta do it again. Not that long of a walk up to the lookout, but it's all uphill,,,steep uphill.  Awesome view though. Craig |
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Turns out not what or where, but who you ride with really matters  |
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Oss
Member
Posts: 12765
The lower Hudson Valley
Ossining NY Chapter Rep VRCCDS0141
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« Reply #12 on: November 19, 2017, 01:36:41 PM » |
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Since my wife will NOT ride in one day more than 5-6 hrs tops on the Valk, even without the hike...aint gonna happen as a day trip
Thanks for the info though
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If you don't know where your going any road will take you there
George Harrison
When you come to the fork in the road, take it
Yogi Berra (Don't send it to me C.O.D.)
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Mr Whiskey
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« Reply #13 on: November 19, 2017, 03:55:54 PM » |
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Let's hope the ride up to the parking lot is worth it.
Definitely, even jus the parkin' lot 
100 yards past New Found Gap on R headed S. from Gburg
7 mile dead end road, 1/2 mile "straight up" paved hike to top of tower
(it's really not that bad, I've done it 3 times & I'm 100lbs overweight with arthritis)
https://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/clingmansdome.htm
Caint find my sunset pics from up there (which really ticks me off!) but there's some good ones linked on this site.
http://www.clingmansdome.com/ |
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Peace, Whiskey.
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f6john
Member
Posts: 9734
Christ first and always
Richmond, Kentucky
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« Reply #14 on: November 20, 2017, 06:04:56 AM » |
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I made the trek once some 10 years ago. I was a few years post heart bypass surgery but I made it ok, had my 20 something son and his girlfriend plus the wife with me so I couldn’t complain. I wouldn’t mind doing it again if I was in the area but wouldn’t make a special trip for it.
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Ken Tarver
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« Reply #15 on: November 20, 2017, 06:41:49 AM » |
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Yeah been there several times...fun road
Ken
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