The Kuwohi Observation Tower, formally known as Clingmans Dome, is a must-see when visiting the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. There are so many great hikes in North Carolina, but I would put this one near the top of the list. It is highly praised for a state with some of the most epic views in the country. I have been up to this mountain multiple times and here is everything you need to know so you can enjoy this wonderful view too. 

But here's an important question first: why the name change?

The name of this iconic spot in the Smokies changed from Clingmans Dome to Kuwohi in September 2024. The name change came about as a way to honor and tell the story of the land. Long before it was known as an observation tower, this summit was named by the Cherokee people. These natives are a proud people, and their story is being honored by a simple name change that the National Parks Service was highly in favor of. The name Kuwohi is what the Cherokee people named the mountain many years earlier, and it translates to Mulberry Place. The history of the land is greatly tied to the people who came before us and this is one simple way the park system is working on preserving that story.

What should I expect when you go?

The Kuwohi Observation Tower is the highest point in the Smokies, so you will have an unobstructed 360-degree view of the mountains. This jaw-dropping scene is the best view of the Smokie Mountains you can get with both feet on the ground. Make sure to bring your camera, but also don’t forget to bring your coat. Even when it is warm and sunny at the bottom of the mountain once you get up around the 6,000-foot mark the weather can change quite quickly. So expect a big shift in temperature when you go.

What does the hike look like?

The Kuwohi Observation Tower Trail is a rather simple 1.3-mile round trip with only 337 feet of elevation gain on a paved path. It certainly doesn’t sound like much but don’t let the stats deceive you. The total height of the trail is 6,643 feet above sea level, and I have always felt the elevation every time I hike. Don’t be surprised if you get winded much easier than normal. On the way up, you will be treated to glorious views of the mountains to your left and an epic dead-dense forest to the right. You will also cross the Appalachian Trail right before you get to the tower, which I find pretty cool.

When should I go?

The road leading up to Kuwohi is typically open from April 1st to November 30th. Close to the opening day and closure day, the park may close the road due to weather conditions, so keep that in mind if you go near those times. When the road is open, you will also want to keep an eye on the weather. Being so high up, this place is prone to being covered in clouds and fog. I have been at the bottom of the mountain, and by the time I made it to the top, you couldn’t see any of the phenomenal views because we were completely covered in fog. It is called the Smokies for a reason, so just keep an eye out for that. 

The Kuwohi Observation Tower is simply a must-see in the Great Smoky Mountains. If you haven’t been then make sure to add this to your itinerary for your next Smoky Mountain Adventure. Don’t forget to have your AllTrails app handy when you visit, this helpful app will help you stay on course and not accidentally turn on the Appalachian Trail. Trust me that would make for a really long detour. 

For more information and to see the trail firsthand, check out this Adventuring in the Moment video I made to help people along on their first visit to this epic spot (Note: this was filmed before the name change).