Smoky Mountains Clingmans Dome Renamed to Kuwohi: Honoring Cherokee Heritage in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
In a historic move, one of the most beloved landmarks in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Clingmans Dome, has been officially renamed Kuwohi (pronounced koo-WHOA-hee). This name change reflects a renewed commitment to honoring the Cherokee Nation’s cultural heritage and the original names given to significant sites within these mountains. Located at 6,643 feet, Kuwohi is the highest peak in the Smokies and offers panoramic views spanning over 100 miles on clear days. This recent name restoration gives park visitors a meaningful connection to the region’s deep-rooted Cherokee history and significance.
Why the Name Kuwohi?
The original Cherokee name, Kuwohi, translates to “Mulberry Place” in English and has long been used by Cherokee people to describe this peak, which holds sacred significance in their traditions. Kuwohi is referenced in Cherokee stories, often linked to spiritual beliefs and viewed as a sanctuary for medicine people seeking solitude for healing and reflection. By restoring the name Kuwohi, the National Park Service acknowledges the Cherokee Nation’s cultural ties to this mountain, reminding visitors of the indigenous history interwoven with the Smokies’ natural beauty.
The mountain was initially renamed Clingmans Dome in the mid-1800s to honor Thomas Lanier Clingman, a U.S. senator and Confederate general who explored and promoted the Great Smoky Mountains. While Clingman contributed to documenting the region’s geography, the Cherokee people’s presence in these mountains dates back centuries, making Kuwohi the mountain’s original and enduring name. The decision to return to this name was driven by conversations with Cherokee tribal leaders, historians, and cultural advocates who aimed to recognize the Cherokee Nation’s place in the Smoky Mountains’ story.
What the Name Change Means for Park Visitors
For those visiting the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the renaming to Kuwohi adds another layer of exploration and connection to the park’s rich history. This change is part of a broader movement across the United States to restore indigenous names to natural landmarks, offering visitors the opportunity to learn about and respect the native cultures that have shaped these landscapes for thousands of years.
The name Kuwohi invites visitors to view the mountain as more than just a scenic lookout but as a place of spiritual and cultural importance. The site, known for its famous observation tower, remains a popular destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts, and the renaming brings an enhanced experience for all who climb to Kuwohi’s peak. Interpretive signs and information at the park will soon reflect this name change, providing background on Kuwohi’s significance within Cherokee culture and the mountain’s historical narrative.
The Future of Kuwohi and Cultural Acknowledgment
The return to Kuwohi is just one of the steps the National Park Service and local communities are taking to acknowledge indigenous cultures and histories within protected lands. This name change is also a tribute to the Cherokee language, an important element of the tribe’s identity that is actively being revitalized. Additionally, the name Kuwohi strengthens the bond between modern-day visitors and the ancestral lands of the Cherokee, encouraging respect and preservation of both natural and cultural resources.
As Kuwohi’s name gains recognition, more visitors are expected to come to the park with a desire to learn about the Cherokee Nation’s presence and significance in the region. This dedication to the Cherokee heritage aligns with the growing trend in national parks to offer a more inclusive narrative that recognizes indigenous histories. Educational programs, informational kiosks, and future park tours will likely include Kuwohi’s cultural backstory, giving guests a comprehensive view of its historical importance.
Visiting Kuwohi Today
Located just a short drive from Gatlinburg, Tennessee, and Cherokee, North Carolina, Kuwohi remains one of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park’s most popular spots. The hike to the observation tower atop Kuwohi offers awe-inspiring views year-round. With this new name, the experience becomes richer, allowing visitors to reflect on the mountain’s past while enjoying its natural splendor.
For those planning a trip, the journey to Kuwohi’s summit on the Smoky Mountains Clingmans Dome Trail is a half-mile, paved path that rewards you with sweeping mountain vistas. From the observation tower, you’ll witness the endless beauty of the Smokies while standing on a peak with a history that stretches back long before recorded time.
Embracing Kuwohi: A New Chapter for the Smokies
The renaming of Clingmans Dome to Kuwohi is a testament to the enduring presence of Cherokee heritage within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It invites visitors to experience this mountain not just as an attraction but as a place of historical and cultural importance. By honoring Kuwohi’s name, the park celebrates a more inclusive history that acknowledges the Cherokee people’s connection to these lands.
Whether you’re a seasoned hiker, a nature lover, or someone eager to connect with the past, a visit to Kuwohi offers an experience unlike any other. This change marks a significant step in appreciating the Smokies’ diverse history, giving Kuwohi the respect and recognition it deserves. So, as you plan your trip, consider what Kuwohi represents and enjoy a journey through both nature and history in the heart of the Smoky Mountains.
Kuwohi Directions
From Gatlinburg at Sugarlands Visitor Center, head toward Newfound Gap. Turn off Newfound Gap Road 0.1 mile south of Newfound Gap and follow the 7-mile-long Kuwohi Road (formerly Clingman’s Dome Road) to the large parking area at the end. The peak is accessible after driving Kuwohi Road from Newfound Gap, and then walking a steep half-mile trail.
The drive to the end of Kuwohi), which ends in a large parking area adjacent to the 0.5 mile hiking Kuwohi (Clingmans Dome) trail, is seven miles long with scenic pullouts along the way. There are wonderful views of valleys and ridges as well. The 0.5 mile hiking trail at the end of the road takes you to an observation tower, the path is paved yet steep.
Views From Kuwohi
Vistas from the top of the dome are spectacular. On clear, pollution-free days, views expand over 100 miles and into seven states. However, air pollution limits average viewing distances to 22 miles. Despite this handicap, breathtaking scenes delight those ascending the tower. It is a great place for sunrises and sunsets. Cloudy days, precipitation, and cold temperatures reveal the hostile environment atop Kuwohi. Proper preparation is essential for a good visit.
Kuwohi Weather
Weather conditions atop Kuwohi change quickly. Snow can fall from anytime between September and May. Get a current weather forecast before heading to the tower. Temperatures at Kuwohi can be 10 – 20 degrees cooler than its low lying surroundings, so be sure to bring a jacket and dress in layers, even in the summer.
Hours of Operation
Although Kuwohi is open year-round, the road leading to it is closed from December 1 through March 31, and whenever weather conditions require. People can hike and cross-country ski on the road during the winter. The visitor center is open from 10 am to 6 pm in April, May, September & October and until 4 pm in June, July & August. In November it’s open from 9:30 am to 5 pm
Observation Tower History
Modern history of the dome is just as interesting. The observation tower that provides breathtaking views today was part of the National Parks Service’s Mission 66 program, which modernized the parks to meet visitor demand. The tower has local roots. It was designed by architect Hubery Benn of Gatlinburg and built by W.C. Norris of Waynesville, NC. Ground was broken in 1958, but there were several construction delays as the weather can be quite volatile.
Kuwohi Geology
The observation tower and parking lot opened to the public on Oct. 23, 1959. The tower cost a mere $57,000 to construct, which is about $510,000 in today’s money. Kuwohi is part of the Copperhill Formation, part of the Ocoee Supergroup. The mountains are made of metasedimentary rocks and were formed 560 million years ago. Today, geologists estimate that the Great Smoky Mountains erode and shrink about 2 inches every thousand years.