It is quite an impressive structure that sits atop Clingmans Dome. The mountain is the second highest peak in the eastern US, the highest point in the Smokies and highest point on the Appalachian Trail. However, as you can see, it is quite accessible to most folks. There is a half mile long paved, albeit steep, trail from a parking area at the end of a 7 mile spur road off the main thoroughfare through the park. The spur was originally to be a thoroughfare through the park also but got nixed before it could be built in its entirety.
The concrete structure we see today was built in 1958-9. It was part of a NPS program to improve observation towers throughout its system. The previous tower was a of log construction and had a must greater rustic look. Over time the logs deteriorated to the point the tower had to be closed. A contest or bidding process settled on the design of Hubert Bebb, a local Gatlinburg architect. His design originally had a stone tower with circular platform and a fire observation cabin. It did include the iconic ramp. The stones and the cabin were rejected and the ramp was debated but remained.
In 2016, Partners in Preservation held a nationwide contest to receive funding for park projects. Friends of the Smokies applied for a grant to make needed repairs to the tower. Voting by the public determined the winners. The Friends were successful in securing a $250,000 grant to make repairs to the walls, supports, masonry and ramp surface, Most of those repairs were completed by June of this year. One more closure is needed to complete the work.
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