Roaring Fork and Clingman's Dome

Our first full day in the national park was spent going to Clingman's Dome and driving the Roaring Fork Auto Tour.  It was another great day on our trip and one that gave us some exercise from walking trails.  The picture at right is from the Grotto Falls trail.  This is a 1.25 mile trail to a beautiful little set of waterfalls.

The Grotto Falls trail is on the Roaring Fork tour.  The trip to the falls is a 1.25 mile hike, much of which is a very gradual uphill climb.  We spent several minutes at the falls taking pictures and enjoying the area.  You can even walk behind the falls, which was pretty cool.  

Clingman's Dome is the tallest peak within the park at an elevation of 6,643 feet.  It is a popular place and easy to get to.  From the parking area, it is a half-mile hike up a steep, paved path.  A spiral ramp takes you to the top of the observation tower for a fantastic view.

Signs at the observation tower label the mountains and towns you can see from there.  This is a very popular place and everyone who visits the park should take the time to check out this terrific view.  

We found it interesting to learn that this mountain is one of two that has a specific kind of fir tree on it.  Most of these trees have been killed off from a European insect that was accidentally introduced to the area.  The park service is taking several precautionary measures to guarantee the survival of that species of tree, many of which are outlined in the information there.  

Just like everywhere in the park, these areas provide many opportunities to see wildlife.  We saw our first dark-eyed juncos at Clingman's Dome.   The most exciting thing we saw though was a black bear.  Everyone hopes to see a bear at the park and they are numerous there.  We were fortunate enough to see one coming out of the woods near a pull-off in the Roaring Fork area.

Three other cars had just pulled over and when we saw the bear we joined them.  He got really close to use and rubbed up on the front fender of our car.  Some guy started throwing apple chunks out his window, which the bear gobble right up.  We don't approve of that.  It's a federal offense and it is dangerous to people and the animals.  The animals get used to getting food from people and come looking for it.  They are still wild animals and can cause serious injury to people.  We shouldn't be encouraging them to come closer.  

Recommendations

• Go to Clingman's Dome and enjoy the lookout. It's a terrific view.
• Bring a picnic lunch and spend the day.
• Do not feed the animals - it is a federal offense.  It helps protect you and the animals.
• Take your time and enjoy the scenery.  Stop at some of the small pullouts that aren't necessarily at a trailhead or popular site.  These are still very scenic spots. 

Did you know black bears only weigh 1 pound at birth.  Adult females will get to about 155 pounds while adult males weight around 285 pounds, although some have gotten as big as 550 pounds!