Clingman's Dome: Best Picnic View in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Fontana Lake is in the distance, view into North Carolina from GSMNP

Clingmans Dome has arguably the best view in Great Smoky Mountains National Park - 360 degrees of gorgeous Smoky Mountains stretching into North Carolina on one side and Tennesee on the other side. It is really easy to get to from your Smoky Mountain Vacation Rental in Bryson City, NC. After our hike to Chimney Rocks last week (see last week's entry) we drove up to Clingman's Dome to have a picnic dinner. The sun was starting its descent to the horizon and the air was marvelously cool because we were at 6643 feet elevation. This was very good because it was really hot at lower eleva

Fontana Lake is in the distance on the NC side of the park. You can pull up to ample parking in the two lots, and choose a picnic spot very close to your car. You'll be sitting on the edge of the mountain with plenty of room - perfect for spreading a blanket, pouring a beverage of choice, and enjoying a nice evening picnic with breathtaking views. The best part of this, it's only 45 minutes from your cabin rental in the Bryson City or Cherokee NC area!