View Full Version : Newfound Gap/Clingman's Dome
midnight_recon
01-15-2007, 12:22
Does anyone know whether or not the gates are closed at Newfound Gap and at Clingman's right now? I'm hoping to start at either spot for a short section-hike this weekend but I haven't heard if the roads are closed or not.
While I'm on the subject, does anyone know the status of the Blueridge Pkwy? Shining Rock is another option I'd like to explore for this weekend.
Thanks in advance
Chan
C-Stepper
01-15-2007, 17:18
No firsthand knowledge, but the website for road closures is updated several times a week. Clingman's Dome road isn't open until April 1, and even then is open as weather permits. Here's the website.
http://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/seasonalroads.htm
C-Stepper has good info. Clingmans Dome parking is closed now. The BRP was covered in this thread:http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/showthread.php?t=20359 The right phone #'s are in the thread. Good luck!:)
midnight_recon
01-15-2007, 19:13
Thanks! Just weighing some options right now, though the park is my first choice for this weekend.
Frolicking Dinosaurs
01-15-2007, 19:16
I drove over 441 coming back from the SoRuck on 1/14/07 about 5:30 PM. There was a little water from ice / snow melt on the road, but no ice. The gate to Clingmans Dome was open when I passed.
I drove over 441 coming back from the SoRuck on 1/14/07 about 5:30 PM. There was a little water from ice / snow melt on the road, but no ice. The gate to Clingmans Dome was open when I passed.I stand corrected! I would hesitate using that parking area for an overnight hike. Weather changes too quick, and the road to Clingmans will be closed as fast or much faster than the other roads in winter.
drdewrag
01-15-2007, 20:12
I wouldn't dare leave my vehiicle in the Dome lot this time of year. While it may be open one day, it is usually for some sort of road repair or park personnel, Having said that, maybe you should park at the Newfound Gap lot (open year round weather permitting) and walk up the Dome and beyond or the other direction over to Davenport and have a shuttle service pick you up.
humunuku
01-15-2007, 20:53
Here's the park official info line, it should be updated every day
call 865-436-1200
x631 for road closures and
x630 for weather report
midnight_recon
01-15-2007, 21:33
'Preciate it! That's what I was after.
rainmaker
01-21-2007, 23:12
If you decide to try for a Shining Rock experience and are concerned about the BRP, take NC 215 from Rosman. About 1/2 mile west of the intersection with the BRP is a parking area on the right side of the road. From there you can get to the Black Balsam/Shining Rock area by following the trail paralleling the creek. I'm sure it has a name , but it escapes me. On the left side of the road is the Middle Prong Wilderness Area. Have fun and dress warm.
midnight_recon
01-22-2007, 09:26
Maybe I'll go for Shining Rock this weekend. I didn't get out over the weekend like I hoped because one of my professors didn't give me the week's assignment until Thursday afternoon. Because it's due today I just couldn't pull it off. I was looking forward to getting out..
Getting in/out at 215 sounds like a plan. I've always gotten out of Shining Rock there.