>>> 8.18.07 - Gatlinburg to Clingmans Dome - GSMNP

Description: 20 mile climb to Clingmans Dome, the best view in the park
When: June, 2005
Distance: 41 miles (round trip)
Elevation Gain: 5,061 ft.
Information: Great Smoky Mountains National Park - Clingmans Dome

Review: This is still my favorite ride. I did back-to-back days in the park, the first day riding to Clingmans. I kept a good pace and finished right at two hours. The second day I rode up to Newfound Gap. This time I was riding as training for the Cycle to the Sun race in Maui. Because there ain't any volcanos around here to climb.

The descent this time was really fun. As I've mentioned, the switchbacks near the top of both Clingman's and Newfound Gap can be dangerous. You can overcook a turn and eat a bus. Other than that you can decend with traffic and in most cases leave it behind.

This is a ride I'll do at least annually. Great scenery and roads.