Home » National Parks » Great Smoky Mountains National Park » Stunning Views from Kuwohi Observation Tower: A True Gem in Smokies

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a remarkable haven of natural splendor. One of its crown jewels is the Kuwohi Observation Tower GSMNP, with its spectacular panoramic vistas of the surrounding mountains. In the southeastern section of the park, this beautiful location is a must for those seeking a worthwhile hike and some of the most spectacular views in the Smokies.

Autumn landscape in the Great Smoky Mountains National park with colorful trees and distant hills under a clear blue sky.

Kuwohi, formerly Clingmans Dome, stands at 6,643 feet and is the park’s highest elevation. A surveyor initially named this beautiful mountain Clingmans Dome in 1859. In 2024, officials correctly renamed it Kuwohi (pronounced koo-WHOA-hee). This was in honor of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians’ request to reinstatement its native Cherokee name meaning, “mulberry place.” At the summit, visitors can feel as if they are reaching for the sky, taking in breathtaking views that are sure to inspire wonder from the Kuwohi Observation Tower GSMNP.

“Life is full of beauty. Notice it. Notice the bumble bee, the small child, and the smiling faces. Smell the rain, and feel the wind. Live your life to the fullest potential, and fight for your dreams.” – Ashley Smith

This post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you purchase something through one of these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you! Read the full disclosure policy here.

How to Get There: Navigation and Directions to Kuwohi

  • From Gatlinburg, TN (25.6-miles) Beginning from the Sugarlands Visitor Center, head 22-miles on the Newfound Gap Road (U.S. Highway 441 South). Reaching New Gap at 0.1 mile south, turn right. Follow the 7-mile-long Kuwohi (Clingmans Dome Road) to the large parking area at the end.
  • From Asheville, NC (60 miles / 1.5 hours): Take I-40 West to Exit 27 (US-74 West toward Cherokee). Follow US-74 West for 45 miles to Cherokee. In Cherokee, turn left onto US-441 North and follow the directions above.
A concrete kuwahi observation tower with a central pillar amidst trees, featuring an upper platform and a person on a curved pathway in the foreground.

Need to Know Information

  • Accessibility: The hike to the tower is moderate and suitable for most hikers. However, it’s important to come prepared with water, proper footwear, and layers, as the weather can change quickly in the mountains.
  • Location: The Kuwohi Observation Tower GSMNP is located on the southeastern corner of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It sits at an elevation of around 3,400 feet.
  • Visitor Center: hours of operation for the visitor center are as follows: from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. during the months of April, May, September, and October; from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in June, July, and August; and from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. in November.
  • Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit the tower is in the spring and fall, when the weather is mild, and the foliage is at its most beautiful. The fall colors and spring blooms make for particularly stunning views.
  • Hours of Operation: The park and the observation tower are open year-round, but the access road might be closed during inclement weather (December 1 through March 31), so always check the status of the road before heading out.
  • Cell Service: Spotty in the park—download offline maps or screenshot directions.
  • Parking: Great Smoky Mountains National Park requires parking passes for anyone parking over 15 minutes. You can purchase passes as daily, weekly, or annual passes. 
  • Pet policy: Dogs are not allowed on the trail to Clingmans Dome
a misty forest scene with various evergreen trees. The landscape is dominated by a large coniferous tree in the center, surrounded by other similar trees under a light, foggy sky. The ground is covered with lush, green vegetation, adding depth to the image. The fog obscures some of the distant trees, creating a mysterious and serene atmosphere.

Start at the Kuwohi Visitor Center & Gift Shop

Beginning at the trailhead parking lot, this log cabin center is the perfect place to gather all the information you’ll need before embarking on your hike to the Kuwohi Observation Tower. Pick up maps, get recommendations from the friendly staff, and browse the gift shop for unique souvenirs to commemorate your visit. With helpful tips on trail conditions and wildlife sightings, the Kuwohi Visitor Center sets the stage for a memorable hike.

Kuwohi Observation Tower rising above a forest with a blue sky background.

Hiking to the top of Kiwohi

Even during the summer months, the weather at the summit of Kuwohi can be breezy and chilly, so it’s a good idea to pack a hooded fleece jacket for your trip to the Kuwohi Observation Tower GSMNP. We experienced no problems with traffic or parking on either of the two days we visited Kuwohi. Around mid-morning, the parking area usually fills up. The hike is a brief yet refreshing half-mile trek. Following the paved trail, you’ll reach an observation tower with breathtaking, seemingly endless views. The misty mountains, undulating hills, and vast forests are truly stunning, particularly at sunrise or sunset.

Scenic view of a lush forest with a tall tree in the foreground and mist-covered mountains in the background.

Before we started up the 0.5-mile paved trail (1 mile RT), we put on our hiking shoes, a hat, and brought along our refillable water bottle. A gradual uphill climb characterizes most of the trail, making it accessible to most hikers, though it can be a bit challenging at times (13% grade), especially for those unaccustomed to hiking at elevation (330 feet). For me, I found it to be a very intense incline. The elevation gain was difficult for both of us. We followed the paved path. There are many benches along the way. We would stop often-sitting on rocks in between the benches just to catch my breath. Most people along the trail seemed to huff and puff, stopping frequently to catch their breath.

A bare tree trunk stands amid a lush green forest with a mountain in the background under a blue sky.

Along the way, the trail passes through a variety of wooded areas, with the occasional break in the trees providing us glimpses of the Smoky Mountains in the distance. As we neared the summit, the trees thin out, offering even us more expansive views. Expect to spend about 45 minutes to 1 hour hiking uphill, depending on your pace and how often you stop for photos or to take in the scenery.

Panoramic Vistas from the Kuwohi Observation Tower

As we arrived at the end of the paved road, the grand concrete structure of the Kuwohi Observation Tower rose before us, almost daring us to ascend its spiral ramp (375 feet) to the 54-foot summit. With each step upward, the view became more magical.

Curved elevated walkway over a forest with mountains in the background.

On our first visit, we were enveloped in clouds as we climbed through the rainy, foggy weather. But on a second, more fortunate trip, clear blue skies greeted us at the observation deck, affording impressive 360-degree panoramas.

Two people standing on the Kuwohi Observation Tower in the Great Smoky Mountains National park

The observation tower offers beautiful views in every direction of the Smoky Mountains. It is breathtaking! The mist-shrouded peaks of the Great Smoky Mountains stretch as far as the eye can see, creating a surreal and ethereal atmosphere. On clear days, the views extend for over 100 miles, offering a glimpse of neighboring mountain ranges and the picturesque valleys below.

A concrete Kuwohi observation tower with a central pillar amidst trees, featuring an upper platform and a person on a curved pathway in the foreground.

This spot is a photographer’s dream, so be sure to bring a camera. Capture sweeping landscape shots, close-ups of wildflowers, or panoramic photos of the park’s rugged peaks. You might even get lucky and capture some wildlife. I caught a Eastern cottontail near the base of the tower. This area is home to a variety of animals, including deer, birds, and the occasional bear.

Two people smiling at the Appalachian Trail sign in a forest.

Kuwohi Hiking Trails in GSMNP

The Kuwohi Observation Tower serves as a springboard for countless hiking adventures in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Embark on the nearby Forney Ridge Trail or tackle the legendary Appalachian Trail to discover hidden gems along the way. For a more immersive experience, lace up your boots and hit the trails – there’s nothing quite like it.

Narrow forest trail with dry leaves, surrounded by tall trees and moss-covered branches.

While the Kuwohi hike is the primary draw, the park offers a wealth of other hiking opportunities. Explore the short trails along the Newfound Gap or venture deeper into the wilderness for more challenging treks. The Newfound Gap Trail and Alum Cave Trail provide excellent options to extend your outdoor explorations. One of the concealed gems that is rarely talked about is the hidden tunnel. The Civilian Conservation Corps constructed it in 1935 to direct hikers from the Appalachian Trail through the tunnel instead of crossing Kuwohi Road. To find it park at the turnout (0.1-miles) just before the stone bridge on Kuwohi Road. Walk up 0.2-miles and look below. Voila, you find the tunnel.

A rocky cliffside with large stone slabs, evergreen trees, and mist in the background.

Final Thoughts: Kuwohi Observation Tower: A Hidden Gem in the Great Smoky Mountains

We will always remember the Kuwohi Observation Tower. The combination of stunning views and a refreshing walk were invigorating. If you are an experienced hiker or simply need a scenic drive, this site will bewitch you. Be sure to stop at the Sugarlands or Oconaluftee Visitor Centers in advance to get maps, insider tips, and significant facts beforehand on your visit. As you approach the tower, prepare to be amazed by the spectacular views of the Smokies, diverse wildlife, and serene landscapes—an adventure which will last long after your visit. Absorb the wonders of nature and bring home lasting memories from this wonderful destination.

Have you had the opportunity to climb the Kuwohi Observation Tower? What did you find the most interesting? Share in the comments below.