About
The Kuwohi Visitor Center is your chance to visit Tennessee's highest peak, which blends breathtaking scenery with cultural roots. Formerly known as Clingmans Dome, it was renamed in 2024 to honor the Cherokee Nation. For generations, it was where Cherokee medicine men sought guidance and wisdom.
The visitor center is the perfect starting point for exploring the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. When driving from Gatlinburg, you'll be on another iconic stretch of tarmac, the Newfound Gap. You'll enjoy breathtaking mountain views as the road serpentines through the Smoky Mountains.
The Kuwohi Visitor Center is open from April through November and has books and information for vacationers. But best of all, the observation tower, built in 1959, offers views at 6,643 feet. On clear days, visitors have a 360-degree view of the Smokies and seven states!
The half-mile paved trail to the tower is steep but worth the effort, winding through a unique spruce-fir forest found only at high elevations in the Southeast.
As part of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the Kuwohi Visitor Center is a springboard to other area attractions. For instance, combine a scenic drive on the 5.5-mile loop at Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail before visiting the Center.
Another scenic area to consider adding to your trip, coming or going to Kuwohi, is Cades Cove. This popular valley is home to historic homes, trails, and wildlife. On Wednesdays, it's closed to cars, making it a popular stop for cyclists and hikers. A case in point is adding the Abrams Falls Trail when at Cades Cove. This 5.5-mile round-trip hike leads to a 20-foot waterfall, making it an ideal spot for picnics and photos.
Kuwohi Visitor Center's story is as rich as its views. From its role in Cherokee mythology as the home of the White Bear to its renaming in 1859 for Thomas Clingman, it has been a symbol of both natural beauty and cultural heritage. Add it to your Smoky Mountain vacation and be inspired by its history and stunning landscapes.
Kuwohi Visitor Center: Fun Facts & Cool Features
One reason this is a popular attraction is that it's where history, nature, and culture come together. The summit's observation tower is an engineering marvel, featuring a concrete spiral ramp. Best of all, on clear days, you can see up to 100 miles, showcasing parts of seven states.
Inside the visitor center, you'll find a small shop with books and souvenirs, as well as rangers who can share insights about the park's unique plants and wildlife. The surrounding spruce-fir forest, a rare ecosystem, adds to the experience's magic.
Kuwohi is more than a scenic destination—it's a place of profound cultural importance. For the Cherokee, this mountain has always been sacred, and its recent name restoration reflects its significance. Visitors can connect with this rich history while enjoying the natural beauty of the Smokies.
While there aren't restaurants nearby, you can combine a meal at The Greenbriar on your return to Gatlinburg. Here, you can dine in a 1939 restored hunting lodge and savor hand-cut, dry-aged steaks and other entrees.
Whether you're soaking in the panoramic views, learning about the mountain's Cherokee heritage, or simply enjoying the fresh mountain air, Kuwohi offers an unforgettable experience that blends adventure with meaning.
Local Tips
- Arrive early to beat the crowds and secure parking.
- Dress in layers; temperatures at the summit are much cooler.
- While water and snacks are available for purchase, save money by bringing your own.
- Wear sturdy shoes for the steep half-mile hike to the observation tower.
- There is a restroom on site.
