backasfen.blogg.se - Observation tower

It is also significant as a representation of the National Park Service's Mission 66 program, which resulted in a significant change in National Park Service planning, management, and architecture. It is an prominent example of the National Park Service Modern architecture period, which broke away from the long-standing Rustic style of the NPS knows an 'parkitecture.' The Tower is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and played a significant role in the architectural history of the National Park Service. It is a 45 foot high observation tower with a sweeping 375 feet long ramp for visitors to reach the tower. When weather cooperates, it provides amazing view of the surrounding mountain scenery.Ĭlingmans Dome Tower was constructed in 1959. Take a right onto FR 104 at the intersection and follow for about 1.6 miles to the observation tower parking.Located atop Clingmans Dome, the highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains (6,643'), Clingmans Dome Tower is a prominent destination in the 800+ square mile Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Follow on FR 112 for about 7.4 miles until you reach the intersection with FR 104. After about 2.4 miles continue onto FR 112. In Seneca Rocks, take WV-28S/WV-55W and follow for about 10 miles, then turn right onto Briery Gap Run Rd. Seneca Rocks Discovery Center or the Potomac Ranger District

Building, maintaining, attending or using an open fire of any kind is prohibited at Spruce Knob, Spruce Knob Lake Parking lots, trailheads or within 300 feet of Forest Roads 1 and 112 in the vicinity of Spruce Knob area, except at the Spruce Knob Lake Campground and Gatewood Group Campground.

Camping is prohibited in parking lots at Spruce Knob Lake, Spruce Knob, trail head parking lots and within 300 feet of roads in the Spruce Knob area.

Visitors looking to camp in a more remote location are welcome to backpack the 60 miles of trail offered in nearby Spruce Knob - Seneca Creek Backcountry. Gatewood Campground is also close, offering group camping sites. Spruce Knob Lake Campground is located nearby offering close access to Spruce Knob Lake for boating and fishing opportunities. There are two campgrounds located close by for individuals looking to escape to the area for an extended stay.

Vault toilets, picnic tables, grills and vehicle parking complete the facilities available at the tower. Interpretive signs along the gentle, graveled trail describe the high country vegetation, geology and animal life. The half-mile Whispering Spruce Trail circles the knob and provides panoramic views. Spruce Knob Tower - A stone and steel observation tower sits atop the Knob, providing visitors with a vantage point from which to enjoy a breathtaking view. Blueberry and huckleberry plants hug the ground. One-sided red spruce deformed by constant exposure to strong westerly winds cling to the high rocky ridges.

The vegetation here has adapted to a harsh environment. This area offers backpacking and day hiking opportunities for the visitors looking to get a splendid view of the gorgeous natural scenery surrounding the area. From this rugged alpine peak, you can view grassy openings and pastures or look down on forested ridges as far as the eye can see. At 4,863 feet above sea level, Spruce Knob is West Virginia's highest peak.