40 Hike Challenge: #1 – The Great Smokies – Clingman’s Dome to Fork Ridge Trail

This is the first hike of the 40 Hike Challenge and the eastern terminus of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail. This is my 10th hike of the series. I solo-hiked this trail, so it was an out-and-back starting at the Fork Ridge Trailhead. The trailhead has a very small parking lot on the shoulder of the Clingman’s Dome Access Road. The first thing I noticed when I got out of my vehicle . . . Silence . . .

I began my trek at 9am on a Friday morning, so the traffic in this area was low. In fact, I saw very few hikers (some Appalachian Trail thru-hikers) until I reached Clingman’s. Entering the woods from the road, I immediately felt like I was in the wilderness.

This part of the MST runs concurrently with the AT and there are frequent AT trailblazes (white rectangle), therefore the trail is easy to follow. There are a few junctions with other trails, but the signage is obvious and straightforward.

This trailhead is 2 hrs from my home, so I was careful to check weather apps before leaving. At the time, most forecasts were predicting 20 – 30% chance of rain. With a full-time job, you can’t always choose the ideal conditions. So, about 1 mile into the hike, the rain started. It was steady and even though I was deep in the woods, and it was a soaking type of rain. Hiking in the rain can be challenging, but if you’re prepared, it keeps it from being miserable. I say that because when the rain started, I pulled out my rain gear only to realize that I had left my rain pants. I ended up fashioning a pseudo-pack cover and cape out of an emergency blanket and kept plugging along. Since this part of the trail is also the AT, it is well traveled and it caused some sections to be continuous puddles along the walk.

The trail crosses over a couple of other high peaks before reaching Clingman’s, Mt. Love and Mt. Collins each of which are greater than 6000 feet. Due to these elevation changes and the rocky terrain, this can be a strenuous hike, no matter which way you go.

When I reached the peak and the observation tower, the rain had thankfully stopped and had given over to a pretty strong wind. Unfortunately, I was not able to get any of the fantastic views that are available from Clingman’s. I have had the opportunity on several other hikes and backpacking trips to see the views. I highly recommend this area.

This link has some great shots from Clingman’s Dome.

However, realize that in these high altitude areas like Clingman’s and Mt Mitchell, you are not always guaranteed a breathtaking view. Either way, this was a great hike.