Hiking Clingman’s Dome, Tn and/or Mt Mitchell, NC in Winter

[Tree Top Flyer]

Does anyone know if it’s permitted to hike these two summits during the Christmas Holidays? I have read several times that access roads are restricted, but are they off limits during this time of year?

[Stagefright]

I’ve been to Clingman’s Dome in January and the road was closed. You can drive to Newfound Gap though. I believe that GSMNP usually posts road closings on their website:

http://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/temproadclose.htm

And after checking it out, you are right that the road to Clingman’s Dome is closed after Thanksgiving….

Seasonal road opening and closing dates are listed below. Click for information about temporary weather and construction related road closures.

Balsam Mountain
Closed for the winter. Will reopen May 9, 2008.
Buses, RVs and motorhomes prohibited on the road.

Cades Cove Loop Road
Open all year from sunrise until sunset
This road will be closed to motor vehicles on Wednesday and Saturday mornings until 10:00 a.m. from May 9 through September 26, 2007 to allow bicyclists and pedestrians to enjoy the cove.

Clingmans Dome
Open April 1 – November 30, 2007

Heintooga Ridge Road
Closed for the winter. Will reopen May 9, 2008.
Buses, RVs and motorhomes are prohibited on this road.

Little Greenbrier
Open March 9 – December 31, 2007

Parson Branch
Closed for the winter. Will reopen March 7, 2008.
Buses, RVs and motorhomes are prohibited on this road.

Rich Mountain
Closed for the winter. Will reopen March 7, 2008.
Buses, RVs and motorhomes are prohibited on this road.

Roaring Fork
Open March 9 – November 30, 2007
Buses, RVs and motorhomes are prohibited on this road.

Roundbottom/Straight Fork
Closed for the winter. Will reopen March 7, 2008.

[Tree Top Flyer]

Just so I understand. The road is closed but hiking to the Dome is okay to do?

Thanks very much SF.

TTF
SVN, Ga

[Tree Top Flyer]

Got the email from GSMNP today. The road is closed to the Dome. Hiking is allowed during this time, but they do stress a good weather plan. Thanks for your help…can’t wait till Christmas Leave.

[Tree Top Flyer]

Am I ever going to be able to do these two hikes or not….darn Army .

[Guests]

I’ve hiked both and would recommend the loop around Mt. Mitchell over Clingman’s Dome. Both see a lot of people, but the views are better at Mt. Mitchell and once you get a couple miles from the summit you’ll see a lot fewer people.

[BirdShooter]

Here’s a great loop at Mt. Mitchell:

https://n2backpacking.com/my_hikes/north_carolina/mt%20mitchell/mitchell%205_01D.htm

[Tree Top Flyer]

Thanks Shooter,

Appears (at least for now) the trip will occur in September now. Probably just jinxed that trip, but I’m optimistic.

TTF,
SVN, Ga

[Guests]

Yeah, Mitchell is better but the snow is likely deeper with more wind and less cover. If you pull this off, I’d love to see photos from these places in the winter.

[Author]

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