After 150 years, the tallest peak in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is formally returning to its Cherokee name. The peak, which was formerly referred to as “Clingmans Dome,” was named in 1859 by a surveyor, Arnold Guyot, who named it after the Confederate Brigadier General Thomas Lanier Clingman.
On Wednesday, September 18, 2024, the national park released a statement concerning the name change request. According to the press release, the U.S. Board of Geographic Names has approved renaming Clingmans Dome to Kuwohi per the request of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.
According to the Cherokee, “Kuwohi” translates directly to “mulberry place.” Here’s all we know about the name change.
Details of the Name Change
Addressing the name change, Superintendent Cassius Cash said, “The Great Smoky National Park team was proud to support this effort to officially restore the mountain and to recognize its importance to the Cherokee People.”
Cash noted that the Cherokee people had strong connections to Kuwohi before the land became a national park. Cash concluded, “The National Park Service looks forward to continuing to work with the Cherokee People to share their story and preserve this landscape together.”
According to the park’s press release, Kuwohi is the highest point in the historic Cherokee territory and a holy site for the Cherokee people. Every year, the park closes Kuwohi to the public for three half days so that schools that are predominantly Cherokee can visit to learn about the mountain’s history.
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With an annual visitor count of over 650,000 people, Kuwohi is one of America’s most visited national parks. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is located near the border between Tennessee and North Carolina.
Notably, the name change proposal was submitted in January 2024 by Principal Chief Michell Hicks of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.
What Is the Highest Elevation Gain in the Smoky Mountains?
The highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is Kuwohi, formerly referred to as Clingmans Dome, which stands at 6,643 feet. Kuwohi is Tennessee’s highest peak and the third-highest mountain east of the Mississippi. The only two mountains with higher peaks in the region are Mt. Craig (6,647 ft) and Mt. Mitchell (6,684 ft).
The mountain stands 25 miles away from Cherokee, North Carolina, and Asheville is 75 miles away. The drive, available and accessible from April through November every year, does not demand an entry fee. Due to heavy snowfall, averaging 80 inches, the road to Kuwohi is closed from December 1 to April 1 every year.
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What Is Clingmans Dome Known For?
Apart from being the highest point in Tennessee, Clingmans Dome is home to some fascinating structures. On clear days, the Clingmans Dome Observatory Tower offers visibility of up to 100 miles across five states.
The view is just what you would expect from a mountain view. At 2,144 miles, the Appalachian Trail reaches its highest point at Clingmans Dome. The Clingmans Dome parking lot has bathrooms and a Park Visitor Center.
However, wheelchair access is not possible due to the steepness of the tower trail. Consequently, the trail is also off-limits to pets and bicycles. The Great Smoky Mountains are breathtaking, and their most well-known lookout offers a completely different viewpoint.
How Far Is Clingmans Dome From Gatlinburg?
While traveling from Bryson City to Gatlinburg, the Clingmans Dome is the perfect stopover for taking a break. The distance between Clingmans Dome and Gatlinburg is roughly around 22.9 miles, which is a 44-minute drive through US-441 S and Clingmans Dome Rd.
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How Tall Is the Tower at Clingmans Dome?
Clingmans Dome in the Great Smoky Mountains reaches 6,643 feet high, often having frequent clouds, rain, and wet weather. Consequently, temperatures at the dome can be 10–20 degrees Fahrenheit lower than those at lower elevations. Consequently, visitors are advised to plan for colder weather, even in the summer.
Visitors are also advised to pack a jacket and wear layers, as places with higher elevations are usually colder. On clear days, you can anticipate taking in 360-degree views that stretch over 100 kilometers.
However, because of the pollution in the air, the views are usually shortened, often being below 20 miles. As a result of its closeness to the smoky mountains, Beech Mountain is the coolest town in North Carolina.
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