AT Day 16: Clingman’s Dome & Newfound Gap

Daily Miles: 12.2, Total Miles: 207.7

A couple came into the shelter last night and noisily set up their tent right next to me. I guess the payback was I got an early start this morning – I honestly tried to be quiet.

Today’s challenge was to summit Tennessee’s highest mountain, Clingman’s Dome at 6,643′, also the highest peak in the Smokies and the entire AT. First time on this trail that I have been in a predominantly spruce and fir forest. I climbed up to the impressive 360-degree view observation tower at the top. Disappointedly, I couldn’t see more than a few hundred feet due to a heavy mist and clouds. Guess I’ll have to get a postcard.

I booked it down to Newfound Gap on the NC/TN stateline because I heard a local Baptist church was providing daily hiker shuttles. Gatlinburg TN is my destination for resupply and a zero day. I heard right but the best part was they had a full table of drinks, snacks and fruit. Until the next shuttle van arrived, great conversation with the generous and gracious volunteers.

One cool thing while there was I met a hiker, Dave, who came down after me. We got to talking and discovered we had both hiked the PCT ten years ago in 2013. Not only that but we finished at the Canadian border on the same day – small world!

Gatlinburg is in a pretty setting as a gateway to the Smokies but quite a culture shock. Chockful of tourists and tourist traps, several owned by Ripley’s. It’s also a jump-off point to Dollywood amusement park.

I walked across town, checked into my motel and immediately stripped off my soggy hiking clothes. After getting cleaned up, I only had the energy to hobble across the street to Chesapeakes Seafood and Raw Bar. Glad I did because what a treat! First time I’ve had a hiker town meal of oysters and shrimp & grits.