http://www.knoxnews.com/kns/local_ne...565230,00.html
Clingmans Dome tower, trail closed By News Sentinel staff
March 23, 2006
The paved trail leading to Clingmans Dome as well as the observation tower itself will be closed until May 13 while park workers repave the trail, a press release from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park said Thursday. "The paved trail is badly in need of repaving for safety reasons," park Superintendent Dale Ditmanson said in the release. "We began the paving project in November after leaf season, but had to suspend work when weather got too cold to lay asphalt.
"Our crews now need to resume work in order to finish the job before the busy summer season."
The release stated that Clingmans Dome Road and the parking lot will open as scheduled April 1, and "those areas offer visitors a good high-elevation vista."
The restrooms will also be closed, and hikers trying to access the Appalachian Trail and other hiking trails from the area around Clingmans Dome will need to use the Forney Ridge Trail head, the release said.