Sacred to the Cherokee, logged by entrepreneurs and preserved by visionaries, the highest peak in the Smoky Mountains has a diverse and varied history. A background intermingled with discovery, war, spirituality, tragedy, inspiration and natural beauty, Clingmans Dome stands sentinel over Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Secret, untold and unique stories unravel through the intriguing details that go beyond the iconic spiral observation deck to include the adjoining areas so intrinsically linked.

Illustrated with photographs and presented in a straight forward and easy to read format, the fascinating insight provides a unique perspective into this distinctive peak and the surrounding slopes. In the shadows of Clingmans Dome, a great national park evolved, the idea for the Wilderness Society was kindled, Cherokee hid to avoid the Trail of Tears, a two thousand mile hiking trail crests no higher and a postage stamp featured the magnificent artwork supplied by the setting sun. Rising above the Southern Appalachians to an elevation of 6,643 feet, the early history of the summit was influenced by Native Americans and European Explorers, the landscape modernized by the Civilian Conservation Corps and Mission 66, and the natural beauty is currently under attack by a nearly microscopic intruder. Known to the Cherokee as Kuwahi and the early European settlers as Smoky Dome, the story of what is now the most accessible peak in the Smoky Mountains is captured. The remarkable history of Clingmans Dome is revealed highlighting the fascinating natural, historical and cultural gem that stands prominently over the Smoky Mountains.