Rocky Top TOW: To the top of Clingman's Dome, Tennessee

(View from the observation tower on top of Clingman's Dome, the Tennessee
high point.)

A well worn sign welcomes thousands of visitors to the Top of ol' Smoky every year. My visit was pretty much unplanned. My car had developed a problem the day before the road to the "basecamp" was due to open. Since we ended up staying in Pigeon Forge an extra night, we were able to squeeze in this Top of the World
expidition after the car was fixed on Monday.

This picture is a view of the observation tower.

Here I am operating from the observation tower. I was using my FT-817. I'm smiling here because it's "opening day" April 1st is the first day the NPS opens the road leading to the top of the mountain. It's a seven mile hike up a 1,000 foot vertical elevation otherwise.

The half mile long trail that lead to Clingman's Dome is only a 300 foot rise, but the altitude and slope forces many out of shape visitors to turn back.

This ominous sign warns Mom and Dad to remember to keep a short leash on the kids.

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Paul Valko, W8KC, is a QRPer and outdoorsman living in Oakland Township, MI. prvalko@oakland.edu