Sunday, July 30, 2017

Fontana Lake View, Clingman's Dome


What a view from the highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park! Looking out from Clingman's Dome, alt. 6,644 feet at the tip of the observation tower, you can see Fontana Lake in the distance. The forest around Clingman's Dome is a spruce-fir forest, but due to the cool, wet conditions here making it a coniferous rainforest. You notice the change almost immediately when you turn off the main road to make the drive up to the summit. You also notice the 10-20 degree drop in temperature.


Fontana Lake snakes its way through the valley below and is actually situated in eastern North Carolina. Clingman's Dome actually sets half in North Carolina and half in Tennessee. On a clear day you can see up to 100 miles and perhaps even seven states.


I snapped this photo with one of those beautiful Spruce Firs in the foreground. I just love these beautiful trees. The blue haze hung over the Smokies making for a beautiful blue hue. The weather here in middle Tennessee finally cooled off a bit and the sun gave us a beautiful weekend. Thank goodness for those cooler temperatures. What a sweltering July. Have a wonderful week. Back soon. ENJOY!

7 comments :

  1. We have had the coldest days for years, love that wide view.

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    1. Thanks Jean. I hope you have warmer weather soon and have plenty of firewood. Take care. Carol

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  2. There was frost all over the trees when we hiked up there.

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    1. Oh my goodness you must have been up there in early Spring. It's so beautiful. Carol

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  3. Replies
    1. Thank you Rose. I love this part of the Smokies. It's almost ethereal. Carol

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  4. The views are so amazing. Wished I were there right now. Carol

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