Kuwohi, formerly known as Clingmans Dome, is the highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, rising to approximately 6,643 feet above sea level. It is also the highest point in Tennessee and the third-highest mountain east of the Mississippi River.
From the summit, visitors can enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding Smoky Mountains, and on exceptionally clear days, visibility can extend for roughly 100 miles. The mountain's Cherokee name, Kuwohi (pronounced koo-WHOA-hee), means "mulberry place." The mountain has deep cultural and spiritual importance to the Cherokee people. Traditional Cherokee stories connect Kuwohi with the Bear, and the mountain was considered a sacred place where medicine people sought guidance and prayed on behalf of the Cherokee people.
In September 2024, the mountain's historic Cherokee name was officially restored to Kuwohi, replacing the name Clingmans Dome. The former name honored Thomas Lanier Clingman, a North Carolina politician and Confederate general, after the mountain was named for him in the 19th century. The restoration of Kuwohi was supported by members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and recognized the mountain's long-standing Cherokee history and cultural significance.
At the summit is the famous Kuwohi Observation Tower, a 45-foot-tall concrete tower built in 1959 as part of the National Park Service's Mission 66 program. The tower is reached by a steep, paved 0.5-mile walk from the parking area. The summit area also provides access to trails, including the Appalachian Trail and the Mountains-to-Sea Trail, which pass near the mountain.
Kuwohi is located within Great Smoky Mountains National Park, along the road between Newfound Gap and the Bryson City/Cherokee area. The road leading to the summit is seasonal and typically closes during the winter months, with additional closures possible because of snow, ice, or hazardous weather. The high elevation also means that weather at Kuwohi can be dramatically cooler and more unpredictable than in Bryson City or the surrounding valleys.
Kuwohi makes a memorable addition to a Smoky Mountain vacation. The combination of breathtaking mountain scenery, Appalachian history, Cherokee heritage, hiking opportunities, and the iconic observation tower makes it one of the region's most fascinating destinations.
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