Clingmans Dome Self Guided Walking Audio Tour

Great Smoky Mountains National Park , United States

Clingmans Dome Self Guided Walking Audio Tour

Active

(2 reviews)

1h - 2h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Take your hike up Clingmans Dome to the next level with this self-guided walking tour. As you make the ascent to the famous observation deck, you’ll discover fascinating facts about this area’s history, geology, and scenery. And once you reach the top, you’ll be treated to panoramic views of the Great Smoky Mountains and the lush landscape beyond. This self-guided walking tour of Clingmans Dome serves as an audio companion on this half-mile hike, with plenty of stories to keep you company along the way.

After booking, check your email/text to download the separate Audio Tour Guide App by Action while connected to WiFi or mobile data. Enter the password, download the tour, and enjoy it offline. Follow the audio instructions and route from the designated starting point.

Buy once, use for one year! Ideal for extended visits and return trips over the next 12 months.

This isn't an entrance ticket. Check opening hours before your visit.

Available options

Clingmans Dome Self Guided Walking Audio Tour

What's included

Easy-to-use app: download Action’s Tour Guide App onto your phone

Engaging storytelling: Uncover unique tales and thrilling history for a memorable journey!

Perfect narrator: nothing can beat listening to a great voice. Proven with tons of rave reviews!

Offline maps: no signal, no problem! Works perfectly without cellular or wifi.

Comprehensive route and stops: See it all, miss nothing, leave no stone unturned!

Go at your own pace: Start anytime, pause anywhere, enjoy breaks for snacks and photos freely!

Learn more: dive deeper into any story you enjoyed with extra stories.

Hands-free: audio stories play on their own based on your location. Easy to use!

Detailed itinerary

If we were making this hike, say, 500 million years ago, things would have looked a lot different. For one thing, there would be no dome here at all!

The stone building to our right is the Clingmans Dome Visitor Contact Station. If you need the restroom or a snack before your journey, stop in here.

The building dates back to the 1930s, when President Franklin Delano Roosevelt was in office. It was part of FDR’s New Deal plan, built by the Civilian Conservation Corps.

Note: The tour is over 0.6 miles long, with more than 10 audio stories, and takes about 1-2 hours to complete.

Buy once, use for one year! Ideal for extended visits and return trips over the next 12 months.

What's not included

Attraction passes, entry tickets, or reservations

Available languages

Audio guide

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 5.0

2 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

How To Access: After booking, you’ll get an email and text with setup instructions and password (search “audio tour” in emails and texts). • Download the separate tour app by Action • Enter the password sent by email and text. • MUST download the tour while in strong wifi/cellular. • Works offline after download.

How to start touring: Open Action’s separate audio tour guide app once onsite. • If there is just one tour, launch it. • If multiple tour versions exist, launch the one with your planned starting point and direction.

Go to the starting point No one will meet you at the start. This tour is self-guided Enter the first story’s point and the audio will begin automatically Follow the audio cues to the next story, which will also play automatically. Enjoy hands-free exploring. If you face audio issues, contact support. Stick to the tour route & speed limit for the best experience.

Travel worry-free: Use the tour app anytime, on any day, and over multiple days. Start and pause the tour whenever you like, taking breaks and exploring side excursions at your own pace. Skip anything you don’t care about or explore bonus content for everything that interests you

Savings tips: Walking tours: couples can share one tour by splitting headphones

Buy once, use for one year! Ideal for extended visits and return trips over the next 12 months.

For the best experience, bring headphones/earbuds for your walking tour.

For the best experience, please use an iPhone running iOS 15 or later, an Android device running version 9 or later, or an iPad/tablet with GPS and cellular connectivity, as these are recommended for navigation.

Your password can be used on the same number of devices as travelers booked. Enter the same password on each device.

Meeting point

Begin from Kuwohi Trailhead Parking, Clingmans Dome Trail, Bryson City. After booking the tour, search your emails and texts for "audio tour". Your tour is VALID FOR ONE YEAR so follow these instructions NOW to finish setting up the tour while you have Wi-Fi/data. Do NOT wait until you are onsite.

Important notes

1. Find The Setup Instructions NOW:
• Download the App: actiontourguide.com/app
• Find Your Password: Search your email or text messages for "Action Tour Guide"
• Enter Password: Open the app and enter your 8-digit password
• Download the Tour NOW while you have WiFi or cell service
• Offline Ready: Once downloaded, the tour works without internet
• Need Help? Visit: actiontourguide.com/redeem

2. Download The Tour NOW:
• Download NOW over WiFi or cellular data ahead of your trip.
• Don't wait until travel day - your tour is VALID FOR ONE YEAR from purchase.
• Your password redemption is limited to the number of travelers booked. Please enter the same password on each device.

3. Audio Tour Tips:
• This is a self-guided audio tour - no one will meet you at the starting point.
• Entrance and attraction tickets are not included. Please book those separately.
• Curious how it works? Watch a quick video here: actiontourguide.com/tutorial
• Bring headphones for the best experience on your walking tour.
• Valid for 12 months - listen to your tour on any day without changing your travel date or rebooking!

4. Help & Support:
• Visit our FAQs: actiontourguide.com/faq
• Chat online: actiontourguide.com
• Call: 1-435-288-0560
• Email: support@actiontourguide.com

About Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in the United States, known for its diverse plant and animal life, the beauty of its ancient mountains, and the quality of its remnants of Southern Appalachian mountain culture. It offers stunning landscapes, rich biodiversity, and a variety of outdoor activities.

Top Attractions

Cades Cove

Cades Cove is a scenic valley with a rich history of early settlers. It offers beautiful views, historic cabins, and abundant wildlife.

Nature Half day to full day Free

Clingmans Dome

The highest point in the park, offering panoramic views from an observation tower.

Nature 1-2 hours for the hike and view Free

Laurel Falls

A beautiful waterfall with a short, paved trail leading to its base.

Nature 1 hour round trip Free

Gatlinburg SkyBridge

The longest pedestrian suspension bridge in North America, offering stunning views of the Smoky Mountains.

Adventure 1-2 hours Moderate

Oconaluftee Visitor Center

A visitor center with exhibits on the park's history and cultural heritage, as well as a mountain farm museum.

Historical 1-2 hours Free

Must-Try Local Dishes

Fried Chicken

Crispy, golden-fried chicken, often served with mashed potatoes and gravy, coleslaw, and biscuits.

Lunch/Dinner Not vegetarian or vegan

Biscuits and Gravy

Fluffy biscuits smothered in creamy sausage gravy, a classic Southern breakfast dish.

Breakfast Contains meat and dairy

Apple Stack Cake

A traditional Appalachian dessert made with layers of spiced apples and cake, often served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Dessert Contains gluten and dairy

Pimento Cheese Sandwich

A Southern classic made with a creamy mixture of cheese, pimentos, and spices, served on crusty bread.

Lunch Contains dairy and gluten

Popular Activities

Hiking Whitewater rafting Zip-lining Horseback riding Scenic drives Picnicking Wildlife viewing Fishing

Best Time to Visit

September to October (fall foliage season)

This is the most popular time to visit due to the stunning fall colors and pleasant weather. The park is bustling with visitors, and all facilities are open.

10-25°C 50-77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: English
English: Widely spoken

Currency

United States Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

Eastern Time Zone (GMT-5:00)

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe, but exercise caution in certain areas and situations

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is generally safe, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, visitors should be aware of potential hazards, such as wildlife encounters, weather changes, and the risks of outdoor activities like hiking and swimming.

Important Precautions:

• Stay on marked trails and follow park guidelines for safety
• Be aware of wildlife and keep a safe distance
• Carry plenty of water and snacks, and dress in layers for changing weather conditions

Getting there

By air

McGhee Tyson Airport • 20 miles from Gatlinburg, TN
Asheville Regional Airport • 60 miles from Cherokee, NC

By bus

Gatlinburg, Cherokee

Getting around

Public transport

Shuttle services are available during peak seasons and provide a convenient way to explore without driving.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Gatlinburg Cherokee Townsend

Day trips

Dollywood

30 miles from Gatlinburg • Full day

A popular theme park owned by country music legend Dolly Parton, featuring a variety of rides, shows, and attractions.

Pigeon Forge

20 miles from Gatlinburg • Half day to full day

A popular tourist destination offering a variety of attractions, including museums, dinner theaters, and shopping.

Blue Ridge Parkway

100 miles from Gatlinburg • Full day or overnight

A beautiful scenic drive offering stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, as well as numerous hiking trails, picnic areas, and waterfalls.

Festivals

Smoky Mountain Christmas • November to January Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage • April Smoky Mountain Songwriters Festival • September

Pro tips

Arrive early to avoid crowds and secure parking, especially during peak seasons.
Download offline maps and trail guides, as cell service can be limited or nonexistent in some areas of the park.
Pack layers and be prepared for changing weather conditions, as temperatures and conditions can vary significantly throughout the day and year.
Bring plenty of water and snacks, as food and drink options can be limited or expensive within the park.
Consider hiring a local guide or joining a ranger-led program for a more in-depth and educational experience.