Cherokee Name Kuwohi Officially Replaces Clingmans Dome
The highest peak in the Smokies has a new name! Known as Clingmans Dome since 1859, the United States Board of Geographic Names officially voted to rename it Kuwohi in response to a request from the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. What’s old is new again in this case, as Kuwohi (pronounced koo-WHOA-hee) has long been the Cherokee name for the mountain! Continue reading to learn more about Clingmans Dome returning to its original name, Kuwohi:
The Origins of Kuwohi
Kuwohi, which translates to “mulberry place”, has always been a sacred ground for the Cherokee tribe. In addition to being the highest peak in the Smokies, it’s the second highest peak in all of the Cherokee homeland.
The National Park Service supported the restoration of the Kuwohi name. The change was made in an effort to recognize its importance to the Cherokee people. Efforts have already begun to update existing signage and other materials with the Kuwohi name.
Each year Kuwohi closes for a half day on three occasions to give predominantly Cherokee schools a chance to visit the mountain and learn about its history from Cherokee elders, language speakers and community members.
The mountain has always been referred to as Kuwohi by the Cherokee people. In 1859, the mountain’s name was changed to Clingmans Dome after Thomas Lanier Clingman, who served as a lawyer, a U.S. Representative and Senator from North Carolina, and a Confederate Brigadier General.
What to Know About Kuwohi
Kuwohi, standing at 6,643 feet in elevation, is the highest point in Tennessee and the third-highest peak east of the Mississippi River. It attracts more than 650,000 visitors each year as one of the most popular sites in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Part of Kuwohi’s popularity as a tourist attraction comes from its stunning 360-degree views of the Smoky Mountains! On the clearest days, visitors can see out as far as 100 miles from the observation tower. Because of air pollution, the typical viewing distance is up to about 20 miles. The panoramic views you’ll enjoy from this summit are certainly worthy of photos!
While the observation tower is open year-round, the road that leads to Kuwohi closes seasonally, usually from around the beginning of December through the end of March. You can still hike to the tower during this time by taking the 7-mile trek by foot along the road.
A number of hiking trails can be accessed at Kuwohi, including the Appalachian Trail and the Forney Ridge Trail, which leads to Andrews Bald. There’s even a secret tunnel that you can check out!
Because of its towering elevation, the temperatures at Kuwohi are typically anywhere from between 10-20 degrees cooler than the surrounding Smoky Mountains. We recommend layering clothes and bringing a jacket along with you, even in the summer months, if you plan to visit. The half-mile paved trail to the observation tower is quite steep, so be prepared to take your time. The views are worth it!
If you haven’t had the chance yet, make sure to visit Kuwohi and enjoy its spectacular views! Looking for something else? Discover more hikes that provide some of the best views in the Smoky Mountains!
