Clingmans Dome Solar Eclipse Event August 21 2017

Overview:

Experience the Great American Total Eclipse From Clingmans Dome in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. On August 21, 2017, the 67-mile wide shadow of totality will sweep across the national park's landscape and, as viewed from Clingmans Dome, will offer the unique possibility of seeing the moon's shadow moving across the landscape. For about 90-minutes the sun will become increasingly blocked by the moon leading up to "totality," lasting about 1 minute and 20 seconds, followed by the moon slowly receding. When the sun is almost entirely blocked during totality, a different, almost eerie, twilight will descend upon the landscape, birds will start to sing, shadows will lengthen, and the temperature will drop.

At 6,643 feet (2,2025 m), Clingmans Dome is one of the highest points east of the Mississippi River and many eclipse-viewing websites consider it one of the best places in the east from which to view this rare celestial event. Surrounded in all directions by ridge upon ridge of Southern Appalachian forests that comprise Great Smoky Mountains National Park, on clear days views can expand upward of 100 miles (161 km).

The National Park Service will close the Clingmans Dome area to general visitors and invites you to consider being among the approximately 1600 guests shuttled to the site for a unique, once-in-a-lifetime event. National Park Service naturalists are partnering with NASA, the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, and Southwestern Community College to provide a special program consisting of featured speakers and storytellers. While the tower itself will be reserved for live broadcasting teams, the trailhead parking area is being converted into the special event site that will include a stage, speakers, a large-screen for participating in a national NASA broadcast, telescopes, educational exhibits and activities, food and commemorative items for purchase. Participants will also be provided eclipse-viewing glasses.

Participants will board buses in the morning at designated parking areas in either Gatlinburg, Tennessee or Cherokee, North Carolina. Buses will arrive at Clingmans Dome by 12:30 p.m. The stage program, with a special guest emcee, will begin at about 12:45 p.m., about 20 minutes before the partial eclipse begins, and will feature presentations until about 3:00 p.m., about 1/2 hour after totality. Return buses will begin shuttling participants back to town between approximately 3:15 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.

With a full schedule of entertaining and educational programs, park rangers and partners will work together to provide a worthwhile experience, even if the sun is obscured by clouds. While an exceptionally rare opportunity, this experience is not for everyone. Participants will be shuttled approximately one hour or more by coach bus from the cities of Gatlinburg and Cherokee. Attendees will need to be prepared to remain on site for several hours. Return shuttles will not begin until after 3:15 p.m. Young children are not recommended for this event. However, if you are patient, sociable, and flexible, this is the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience a total eclipse from the heart of America's most visited national park - world renowned for its diversity of plant and animal life, the beauty of its ancient mountains, and the continuing connection of people to the natural landscape and celestial heavens.

For more information about viewing the Great American Solar Eclipse at Great Smoky Mountains National Park and related activities, please visit our 2017 Solar Eclipse webpage.

Summary of Fees - Clingmans Dome Solar Eclipse Event August 21 2017

Gatlinburg, Tennessee Parking Areas

From interstate highway I-40 take Exit 407 (Sevierville) to TN-66 South. At the Sevierville intersection, continue straight onto US-441 South. Follow US-441 through Sevierville and Pigeon Forge into Gatlinburg.

Parking Lot A (May charge a parking fee): Once in Gatlinburg, make a slight right turn at Light #5 onto River Road. After approximately .7 miles, turn right onto Long Branch Road. At the corner of Long Branch Road and Cottage Drive, there will be a parking lot that visitors can pay to park in for the day.

Parking Lot B (May charge a parking fee): Alternatively, do not turn at Light #5 but continue straight through Gatlinburg. At Light #10, turn right onto Ski Mountain Road. There is a parking lot on the corner of Parkway and Ski Mtn. Road, south of the gas station. Buses will pick ticket holders up from both these parking lots and will bring them back at the end of the event.

Cherokee, North Carolina Parking Areas

From the north: From interstate highway I-40, take Exit 27 to US-74 West towards Waynesville. Turn onto US-19 and proceed through Maggie Valley to Cherokee. Turn onto US-441 North at Cherokee and follow the road towards the park. Parking will be available in either the Cherokee Fun Park or Cherokee Transit center lots (may charge parking fees), located on the NW side of US-441. Buses will pick ticket holders up from both of these parking lots and will bring them back at the end of the event.

From the south: Follow US-441/US-23 North. At Dillsboro merge on US-74 West/US-441 North. At Exit 74 merge onto US-441. Follow US-441 through Cherokee and towards the park.