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Ascent of Clingmans Dome in 2005-08

Climber: Tom Owen

Date:

August, 2005

Ascent Type:

Successful Summit Attained

Peak:

Clingmans Dome

Location:

USA-Tennessee/North Carolina

Elevation:

6643 ft / 2024 m

Ascent Trip Report

My first highpoint! What can I say that inspired me? I don't know. I have spent 2 years in Knoxville finish my undergraduate degree at UT and have not sppent nearly enough time in the Smokey Mountains. Determined to begin this high point escapade, my girlfriend Erin and her/my room mate Claire (now that's a long story...) set off from Knoxville to reach the highest point in Tennessee, Clingman's Dome and maybe do a short hike to Andrew's Bald nearby.
Driving through Gatlinburg makes you just want to throw all your money out the wondow becasue you won't leave town with any of it after seeing all the tourist knick knack shops. We made it through though and began the winding drive up the mountain. It was a beautiful day and I snapped some photos of the clouds and my company.
At the top, there is a short walk (about .25 mile) on pavement to the observation tower. The view was great and other peaks and balds were visible int he distance.
We walked back down to a side trail that led to Andrew's Bald and started it down it.... unfortunatly, as is common int he Smokies, an afternoon thunderstorm blew in and cut our hike short. We returned to the car soaking wet and made the drive back to Knoxville.

I'm already planning my next highpoint adventure. Wonder if i'll have company again...

Summary Total Data

Route Conditions:

Road Hike

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