Clingman's Dome and Mount Collins Shelter

We were able to get an early start this morning, and left Derrick Knob Shelter at about 8:45. The plan for the day was to hike 14 miles to the Mount Collins Shelter (mile 202.3; another 100 miles down!). This section of the Trail crosses Clingmans Dome, marking the highest point along its journey from Georgia to Maine.

At 6,643 feet at its summit, Clingman's Dome is also the highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the highest point in Tennessee. On clear days views span over 100 miles. Unfortunately, air pollution often limits viewing distances to under 20 miles.

We arrived at Mount Collins Shelter at about 6 p.m. More detail may follow once we are back in cell range.