Two companions accompanied me on this beautiful AT section, the highest point on the AT. We began by leaving a vehicle in the nearly empty Newfound Gap parking area. Then began hiking at the nearly empty Clingmans Dome parking area. Instead of walking the asphalt trail, we opted for the bypass trail which added a little mileage to our hike but was a pleasant walk. Clouds hung low obstructing the early views so there was no need to climb the circular observation tower. We couldn't even see it.
The going was steeply downward at first and up Mt Collins which seemed to never end. It was only 3.2 miles from the "dome" but it took an inordinate amount of time to travel this distance. Shortly after passing the trail to the shelter we took our lunch break.
Continuing along, we encountered the "enclosure". Built in 1984 to protect and study the Beech forest, the metal grating keeps the wild hogs out. A sign indicates this is one of 20 such sites identified in the park. It is about 150 yards square.
Next we approached one of the most significant natural heritage sites in the park, Indian Gap. It is here an Indian trading path and later a toll road for wagons and westward heading settlers crossed the ridge. The Road Prong Trail which heads in the direction of Gatlinburg was part of this path/road. It wasn't until the park was set to become a national park, the gap to the north was found and the road was built there. Hence the name "Newfound Gap".
We saw a number of uprooted trees along this section, including this one that lifted a big rock along with it.
I suspect the AT was relocated in spots when the Clingmans Dome road was built. I'm certain it would have visited the east side of the ridge for some of the fine views in that direction.
The road was initially part of a longer road which would have crossed the entire park creating a "X" shaped road system when combined with the Newfound Gap Road. This road was to have one terminus at Deals Gap and one heading straight for Asheville. Enthusiasm for this road was strong among the Asheville business owners who pushed the plan but clearly did not have local support. Superintendent Horace Albright decided the road through the eastern section of the park (toward Asheville) would not be built since it would cut through one of the unlogged areas of the park. However, the section to Deals Gap was clearcut and a road would work out just fine through there. The Clingmans section of about 7 miles was built in the early 30's at a cost of $600,000 including rockwork, pullouts and parking lot. It was paved about 1940. Interest in finishing the road waned and finally disappeared.
Just before finishing this hike, I looked for the trail leading to the tunnel under the road but missed it. We finished up about 3pm, retrieved the cars and set off toward Elkmont for short hike.
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