The secret tunnel under Clingmans Dome that you never knew existed

Nearly everyone who has visited the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is familiar with Clingmans Dome.

Completed in 1959, Clingmans Dome Observation Tower is the highest point in the Smoky Mountains. It stands at over 6,000 feet tall and offers 360-degree views.

On clear days, guests can see almost 100 miles in any direction from the top of the tower. It’s easily one of the most visited landmarks in the park.

But have you heard of the secret abandoned hiking tunnel below Clingmans Dome?

Read Also: Clingmans Dome controversy, the tower that weathered a media storm

Is there a secret tunnel under Clingmans Dome?

You won’t readily find this old hiker’s tunnel on Google Maps, and it pre-dates the tower itself.

It’s a former hiker’s underpass most commonly known as the “Thomas Divide Tunnel”. But it is also referred to as the “Thomas Ridge Tunnel”, the “Old Mule Tunnel” or simply “The Hiker’s Tunnel”.

The tunnel was constructed in the mid-1930s by a group of young men known as the Civilian Conservation Corps. The tunnel is made of locally sourced stone and features an ornate archway on either side.

According to the Great Smoky Mountains Association, it is speculated that the tunnel is a relic of a section of the Thomas Divide Trail that used to connect to the Appalachian Trail on the far side of Clingmans Dome.

It was built in response to the completion of Clingmans Dome Road, which required a rerouting of the trail. The Association also speculates that it’s possible the tunnel was constructed for equestrian use.

What was the Mission ’66 initiative?

In the 1960s, the tunnel was cut off from the original trail and stranded due to the Mission ’66 initiative.

It was the initiative’s mission to improve infrastructure across the entire national park system.

That led to the rerouting of several old roads to improve overall driving conditions, including Newfound Gap Road. This rerouting cut off the old trail, forcing the trailhead to be relocated further south.

That’s why you won’t happen upon it unless you’re looking for it. It’s no longer part of any regular path or hiking trail.

It simply leads to a cliff with a beautiful view where the other side of the trail once existed.

Read Also: The Great Smoky Mountains National Park: 3 spots you don’t want to miss

Where is the secret tunnel at Clingmans Dome?

But just because you are unlikely to happen upon this secret tunnel on accident doesn’t mean it’s difficult to find if you know where to look.

Take Clingmans Dome Road until you reach the access gate. From there, simply park your car and walk approximately 0.2 miles up the side of the road.

When you reach the large stone bridge that you’d normally drive right across from your car, walk down the hill. Lo and behold, you will spot the tiny abandoned tunnel.

Pro-tip: It might be a bit easier to access in the off-season when you know traffic won’t be an issue. Clingmans Dome Road usually closes from December-April.

This will also make it harder to miss the gate landmark as the gate will be blocking vehicle access.

Did you know about this secret tunnel in the Smokies? What are some of your favorite secret spots in the park? Let us know in the comments below.