Clingman's Dome Loop from Noland's Creek TH, North Carolina.
Clingman's Dome is the highest point in Tennessee, the highest point along the Appalachian Trail, and the second highest point in North Carolina!
Ascent: Begin at the Noland's Creek Trail Head and ascend Noland's Creek to the Springhouse Branch Trail, and then onto the Forney Ridge Trail, and finally on to the Clingman's Dome Trail. Note: There is no up & down FKT on this route. If you want to return to your starting point take the loop variation below!
Noland Forney Loop: Begin at the Noland's Creek Trail Head and ascend Noland's Creek to the Springhouse Branch Trail, and then onto the Forney Ridge Trail, and finally on to the Clingman's Dome Trail to the summit, then return down Clingman's Dome Trail and Forney Ridge Trail, and turn down Forney Creek Trail, all the way to Lakeshore Trail. Continue Eastbound on Lakeshore Trail, to the Trail Head at Lake Shore Drive, and continue the final 0.6 mile segment on the road to return to the Noland's Creek Trailhead. 28.4 miles / 6100' gain.
