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Fall Photo Guide

Kuwohi (Clingmans Dome)

Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee · 6,643 ft

Bare <20% Typical peak was 24 days ago

Typical peak

Oct 4 – Oct 12

low confidence in typical timing.

Best light

Works at both ends of the day

The spiral observation tower puts the camera above the spruce-fir canopy at the highest point in Tennessee, with color running down every drainage in view. The conifers stay black-green, so turning birch and beech read as distinct bands instead of a wash.

Seasonal model estimate. Timing remains uncertain; check recent reports before traveling. Source: seasonal timing model. Calculated .

Crowds

extreme

Expect heavy peak-weekend traffic; consider a weekday or arrive before dawn.

Coordinates

35.5628, -83.4986

Open in Maps

Getting there

Drive the seven-mile Clingmans Dome Road off US 441 at Newfound Gap and climb the paved half-mile ramp from the lot.

What turns here

  • mountain ash
  • yellow birch
  • american beech

Color progression

Typical peak Oct 8

Typical color progression for Kuwohi (Clingmans Dome). No change from Aug 31 to Sep 17. First color from Sep 17 to Sep 26. Approaching peak from Sep 26 to Oct 4. Peak from Oct 4 to Oct 12. Past peak from Oct 12 to Oct 22. Bare from Oct 22 to Nov 5.

typical peak Nov 1, 2026

Kuwohi (Clingmans Dome) is typically at bare on Nov 1, 2026.

This season so far

Reported peak

None yet

Seen peak color here? Add a report.

First frost

Oct 17

7 nights at or below 32°F since Aug 1.

Last 14 days

53°F / 32°F

Average daily high and low.

Modeled weather for these coordinates from the Open-Meteo historical archive, Aug 1 – Oct 31; not a station record. Reported peak is the median date of approved peak-color reports.

Plan the light

Kuwohi (Clingmans Dome) on October 8, 2026, the center of its typical peak window.

Solar event times for Kuwohi (Clingmans Dome) on October 8, 2026
EventTime
First light (blue hour) Sun 6° below horizon 7:09 AM
Sunrise Rises E · 97° 7:34 AM
Morning golden hour ends 34 min of low, warm light 8:08 AM
Solar noon Highest sun, flattest light 1:21 PM
Evening golden hour starts 34 min before sunset 6:34 PM
Sunset Sets W · 263° 7:08 PM
Last light (blue hour) Sun 6° below horizon 7:34 PM

Times in America/New York · day length 11h 34m · computed from NOAA solar equations.

Local terrain can hide the sun; allow extra time to reach your viewpoint.

Which way to point the camera

Sun rises E, sets W.

Aim within 45° of the sun for translucent leaves. Turn your back to it for flat, accurate color.

Shooting conditions

Glassy water, wind blur, and what the cloud will do to your light.

Loading conditions…

Recent reports

What people actually saw here. Been recently? Add yours.

Nearby locations

Within 100 miles in a straight line; road distances can be longer.