"Back in the day" I used to hike parts of the Appalachian Trail and as most know, it goes through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park very near Clingman's Dome. Well, one beautiful, sunny day I was on that section of the trail and had been hiking for quite a while when fierce wind came up and it wasn't long before it "scared the daylights out of me", as they used to say. The trees were bending over like a bow ready to shoot an arrow and I was ready to run....but there was nowhere to run to, so I did the next best thing: I was seriously praying. Yep, the wind was that fierce and powerful on top of that mountain and it was bringing a rain with it. That was long ago and I've grown older but the mountain hasn't. She's still young, fierce and powerful as ever, thank God.

Donnie, Seriously, north carolina & Tennessee should hire you as the official historian of the Appalachians. I've not only enjoyed your documentaries, but learned a great deal. Thank you brother. Your a good man. Our Lord has blessed you with a endless knowledge of this piece of paradise.

I love pulling over and getting out of my truck and just watching and listening to the sounds there.

I stayed at Cherokee reservation once that to my surprise had a deck on the back of the motel I stayed in, that looked out over a river that ran through there. It was so gorgeous to just sit out and listen and see that water washing over the rocks. I will never forget that beautiful sight. thanks for sharing this, your friend, Louise

My first trip to Clingman's Dome, I was very young, and my father helped me get up the wooden stairs of the earlier tower by holding my hands. It was falling into disrepair, but the experience was unimaginably exciting. I have to say my trips to the present tower have always been amazing, and felt a lot safer.

My wife and I hiked Clingmans Dome the day after we were married in Sept1975 and it didn't have the paved walkway with the occasional benches that it has today. It was rough hiking, but well worth it!

I traveled through the Smoky Mountains in early spring, and the view of the mountains, bathed in the mist as the sun was coming up took my breath away - and I had to say thank you to the Creator for giving us such a sight. I have gone through the Rockies on AmTrak, which goes high into the mountains - and yes, there are some absolutely fantastic views through that trip, but to this day, nothing compares to the majesty of the Smokies. Thank you for sharing these pictures with us - definitely got a warm fuzzy remembering that trip down south. 🤗🤗🤗💖💖💖

Thank you, Donnie, for sharing the information and beauty of Clingmans Dome. God 🙏 bless.

another wonderful video. special memory of visiting there as a kid. somebody had lost a cool knife and dad found it laying by the trail. no way to return it to whoever lost it. dad gave it to me! i was only about 8 at the time and not a typical gift for a little girl. lol. it's sitting in a drawer less than 2 feet from me .... now almost 50 years later. something i'll never part with.

My 92 year old mom sat on top where the tunnel goes underneath. Grandfather took a picture of mom when she was young sitting on top. Yes I have a picture. My grandfather was in charge of building all that area. He also helped in building Norris Dam. I have many pictures of that.

Great stuff Donnie! As a young man in 1965 we visited Clingman’s Dome. I remember the gradual rise walking to the top and the wonderful view. Great memories while on vacation. Thanks my friend.

Thank you Donnie for sharing your beautiful mountains and the wonderful history that is embedded in them. This land of America is so beautiful. Each region has it's amazing history and beauty.

Another memory of my home-Tennessee! I might live on the Florida Panhandle-but the hills of Tn will always be home. Thanks for posting!

I lived and worked in Gatlinburg for many years and loved driving into the park... when there weren't too many tourists in town! It truly is a magical place... Thanks Donnie 🤗❤️

That's a good one Donnie, didn't know the mule trail run under the road there. I used to ride my mule on School House Gap Trail,and some of the trails before you get in Cades Cove,and there was a trail built under the road, you'd never know it,can't see it from the road. Thanks Friend for all you do to bring this rich history to us 🙂.

Me and my Grandma went to Cades Cove and to Clingman's Dome in 1994. It was her last vacation before she passed away! I have so many pictures!! I have been many times since, and always think of her!! we went on a 1986 Pontiac 6000. Great gas mileage!! LOL!!

Thanks Donnie for sharing another great story about the Great Smokey mountain.

15 million visitors a year is alot of people for sure....such a beautiful place...Thank you for the video Brother.

Thanks Donnie! Another lovely place you’ve shared here. Thanks so much for making these videos of Appalachia, they are a pleasure.

THANK YOU ,GOD BLESS YOU AND YOURS. I LOVE AND ENJOY YOUR HISTORY VIDEOS. THANK YOU. BE SEEING YOU NEXT TIME.

What a beautiful clear day. I've never been on Clingman's when it wasn't foggy, raining or snowing but that doesn't mean I didn't enjoy every visit. Another great piece of TN/NC mountain history. Thanks, Donnie, for taking the time to research and upload this video.

I have been to the top of Clingman's Dome in the late 70's. I remember a blasting arctic wind that day, making it hard to stay balanced on my feet. 🌬 But off the mountain it was a mild, calm day. ⛅

Howdy Donnie- that’s a beautiful place. Thanks for sharing this. God bless

Thank you for bringing back some wonderful memories. I did not know about the tunnel cross over. That was a delightful surprise.

One of these days I’d love to visit your neck of the woods! Enjoyable as always. 👍🏻❤️

How beautiful I bet it’s even prettier when all the leaves of change in fall thanks for the video have a good one

Back in the 80s my family would vaction in the smokies every year,and would visit cligmans dome every time,both my parents have long past but every time I hear the name clingsman dome I think of all the good times with my parents there.thanks for the story.

Great video Mr. Donnie, I thoroughly enjoyed learning of the history of this beautiful place. I’ve been up in the dome several years ago when we were on vacation in the Smokies, and you are right you can see what seems like forever!! I hope to visit it again soon. I’ve often wondered how long ago it was built and now I know. Thank you my friend!! 😇😇🙏🏻😇❤️🙌🏻👍🏻

Awh yes, my buddy Donnie, aka Mark Twain of the Great Smoky Mountains, telling a great story in his country style again, Thanks Donnie, God Bless ya sir.

Hiked up there several times, my favorite is Mt. LeConte! Or Kephart Mountain, thank you brought back some grand memories......ATB

Hey Donnie Tommy from Jonesboro great video the last time I was there I was kid don't remember much but I want to go back now I would like at invite all of the people that watch your channel to come to Jonesboro this coming week end to the Jonesboro national storytelling conversation and god bless everyone

Thank You for sharing this, I have been to Clingman's Dome once, I hope to go back one day again soon fore I am to old to make it up there! Thanks again, beautiful place ✅

Hey Donnie I'm so glad you put this out here about Clingmans Dome. If I'm not mistaken there is a plaque up there explaining how it got its name I think I may be wrong but I think there is. I have spent many a week and many of a night up in that area. I've been up and under that tunnel that goes under the road several times. I've been on top of Clingmans Dome when it was so Crystal Clear you could see the seven States and I've been up there when you couldn't see the top before you got there. You were absolutely right it creates its own weather. I have been south on the trail all the way to Georgia at the southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail, and the Name Escapes me for some reason, and all the way up to the upper end of North Carolina I have also been to the right and left of the trail with a map and a compass and just walking I'll pick a spot on the map and go but Donnie that was back in my way younger years I could probably do it now but I wouldn't make a mile a day in the mountains LOL anyway thank you Donnie for putting this out I'm so proud that you done that. Keep ye powder dry

Thank you Donnie. We love you.

A favorite video here!!! Perfect for my prayer time about Donnie's leg healing📖🙏

It's been several years but really enjoyed going up there. Thanks for bringing back memories.

The day time views are beautiful and awe inspiring. It’s also beautiful at night seeing the lights from the towns all around the area. If anyone goes at night be sure to bring a flashlight and a jacket because it’s definitely a different kind of chilly with that wind whipping through.

In the great depression that CCC did some amazing work & with there craftsmanship. I still stumble upon some of there workmanship in deep woods of National Forest system. I 1st heard Clingmans Dome over that Trenny Gibson girl missing I guess she never been found yet. Nice video Donnie thanks.

In June, my 5 year old twins and I walked the paved trail up to the tower. Breathtaking views up there!

Good stuff ! Beautiful country thar in them mountains, and that is a fact. The history is never ending interesting. Thanks

enjoyed this very much. Been there over the years a bunch, never knew about that tunnel under the road. Always found the history of Mt Mitchell and Clingman's Dome interesting, both in their own way. My GG Grandfather served in Gen Clingman's brigade during the Civil War. I don't think many people realize how much Clingman loved to explore. Great job on the video !

Donnie I was there about 5 years ago I love it there so much of gods country

I knew nothing about this so what a treat.

Back when I was young we went to Gatlinburg almost every year and we would make the climb upto cling mans dome!! Look down and see the clouds!! We loved!!

I love it up there no matter when I go always feel that I’m home

Why the tube isn’t recommending your vids in my feed is beyond me, tuned in to your channel quite often and had to dig and search to find you again. Glad to hear your voice ol’man.

Looks like a beautiful place to visit. Thanks for the video!

About 15 years ago we went to Knoxville for a wedding of our friends. Had to go to Dollywood, Clingsman Dome, GSM park of course. What a beautiful place, nicest people. We stayed on Eagle Mountain. Would love to go back some day again.

I always loved going there as a small child but never knew the history. Thank you very much.

We visit Clingmans Dome back in the early 70's, never knew about the mule trail. It's a beautiful place.

I hope to have tales of back in the day for the youngins.. God blesss and Ty Donnie.

What an amazing state to live in. I'm from wva and now live in ohio . I miss the mountains so much. I'm going home soon. Thanks for sharing all this beautiful country to us.

Thank you for the rich history you share with us and i love the old photos too… God Bless

Hey Mr Donnie. So happy to learn more history, to hear your country voice, so relaxing, God Bless you and your family ......I so love your videos, thank you so much.

I’ve been to the top of Clingman’s Dome probably about 5 times. Every time has been great. You’re absolutely right about there being a different climate up there. It may be nice and sunny in Gatlinburg, but when you get up there, chilly and cloudy. There was one time I remember seeing clouds below me and another time seeing clouds above me very close at about 200ft above me. The clouds we’re actually moving very fast above me, probably at least 20 mph. The spruce trees on top prove how high the mountains are. My grandpa was born in Nova Scotia, Canada and moved to the US in his 20s. I’ve been there twice to visit my relatives. Nova Scotia is far enough north that evergreen pines are equal with deciduous trees, sometimes even the majority. The same spruce trees that grow on top of the Smokies grow at sea level in Nova Scotia. If you ever go to Canada I definitely recommend Nova Scotia. There and the Smokies I believe are the most beautiful places I’ve ever been.

We always called the Smokies, the Grandmother Mountains. I have read they are the oldest mountains on Earth. They feel like a Grandmother to me… wise and gentle most of the time, but you wouldn’t want to disrespect them. That’s not healthy! I wish they had made wide places with benches on the climb to Clingmans dome. It’s hard for older people or people with disabilities to go up with no place to rest along the way.🐝🤗❤️

Mr. Laws, with every video you post I feel a longing to head into these mountains. Maybe some day…. For now I have to settle for The Foothills. They make me feel like I can breath.

That's Awesome 👍.. thank you Sir 😊.. I hope life is treating you well. GB.

These mountains and mountain ranges around the world on most coasts were formed in the flood. The forces of waters beneath pushing land masses all out of their place...you can see in the geology of the Smokey’s that you can see rock layers all smashed and jutted up wards in the same direction! It is truly amazing place to be and Live!! I LOVE TN!!!! My HOME TENNESSEE!!!

Good Morning Donnie. Such a beautiful place. How lucky you are to live near there, and how lucky we are as a nation to have this place. The Cherokees, not so lucky 😞. Thanks friend and God bless 🙏.

Donnie, the amazing vistas of the national forest is breath taking. You do such a nice job with these videos. God Bless you my friend.

Awesome, Donnie. Thanks

I've hiked twice to Clingmans Dome and next year I'll investigate that old mule tunnel under the road. Thank you Donnie this video was very informative. God Bless you and your family

I don't know if I've been to Clingman's dome or not (when I was a child my parents took us to Cherokee and Great Smoky Mtn NP) but I've been on 215 in NC and taken it across to TN I40 multiple times. Love that drive. Not sure how I stay on the road because it's so beautiful driving across the Blue Ridge parkway.

Nice to see, a second time around. your friend, Louise

Thank you for sharing your video I enjoyed it Such a beautiful place to be 👍👍👍👏♥️🗝️

Nice video on a very special place. I have visited many times and each time was a real treat. You can never tire of that view. Thanks for the memories and maybe a hint to those that haven't been to get out there and make a few memories of their own at this special place.

Great place to visit, very beautiful area. We were there back in the 90s worth the trip, all the overlooks and the drive there are all awesome. Its a strange feeling dealing with the altitude if you have asthma, it can be difficult to breath. Your videos are keeping the past alive thank you.

My sons and I plan on going to this place now.... Thank you friend for the experience

Wow I can’t get over that they are changing the name !!!!! Thank you for a very informative video , your a good teacher 🍄🍄🍄🍄

Nice video. We enjoyed our visit very much. We had a super clear day. Beautiful. Take care.

I remember that aerial photo on clingmans dome was on postcards for sale in all the tourist shops in the 70s when i was a little kid.

such a BEAUTIFUL place. love the history and your channel. thank you

Thanks for sharing. Beautiful story.

So much history.

I enjoyed the video. I never got to go on vacation. The first time I left home was when I went into the service. Then I went across the pond for several years. After I came home I traveled some until I lost my health.

Thank you Donnie, you are such a great narrator.

It’s quite a hike to get to the overlook, but the views up and down make it worth it.

"Granny Moses" on The Beverley Hillbillies, that the Smokeys were named after her! Hahaha Thank you from Seattle Donnie, I just love your channel! God Bless 🙏🏽♥️🤗

Wow I never knew this. Fascinating. Thank you Mr Donnie

I really appreciate you and your videos. I enjoy this video and the history I learned from this video. Thank you .

You Do Such A Great Job. I'm from the Hills of WV and visit there often. Such a Beautiful place. And Cades Cove . It's home away from home. People think I'm crazy but I would have loved to live in those olden days. Hard living but rich in life. Thanks

Up in the Foothills parkway there is a very similar tower on Tower trail right above Look Rock. I use to go up there all the time, but it's been awhile. This video makes me want to go back. Thanks!

Awesome video Donnie I enjoyed very much' I thank for sharing with us.God Bless Y'all.

I’ve never even heard of this mr donnie and I’ve been to the Smokey’s and live in central alabama. Thanks for sharing your knowledge sir

I'm always here promptly for a new Donnie Laws video.

Another great video of a really beautiful place.

Thanks for sharing I been the many times it's so beautiful

I was just there the other night shooting pictures of the stars. Great video.

Great video! I was at Klingmans Dome in October 2021, Beautiful place!

We enjoyed your video. Thank you for posting. Scott and Sandra Greenbrier Arkansas

Absolutely beautiful! Thank you

Always enjoy your videos and stories. Thanks, David

Love the intro music, Donnie! Been up there many times. Spectacular!

Great shows keep up the good work be safe my friend

this is the time of the year for more ghost stories of the Appalachia mountains

Awesome video as always Donnie! That is making me want to take a road trip back soon before the road closes for the winter. I have always wanted to see some pictures of the construction of it, I really appreciate you sharing those.

Thanks Donnie for another great history lesson. I love your historical videos. You're a history timekeeper now my friend. What you're doing will preserve these stories for the young people who come after us.

Thank you Donnie for that history. Been there several times. but didn’t know the history. Also there used to be one of those Indian trail marker trees on the way up there. It was a big pine. Don’t know if it’s still there. I didn’t know what it was until you taught about them on a video. I’ve got a picture of it dated 1980 as we climbed up there. If I could give you some food for thought. Two things I recall about coming to Tennessee as a boy was (1) all my boy cousins had pin knives. Even the 5 year old. I always wanted one but dad made me wait until I was 12. Another thing. I loved was everyone had a porch swing. . As a 71 year old man I love them now. And maybe a story on Cracker-barrel restaurant. The wife of the dentist that started that lived next store to my mothers childhood house in Rhea , County my mother was good friends of Miss Harrison’s daughter. I do not recall her first name. I do a little about that history if you decide to ever do a story about that. My cousin by marriage was asked to invest in the original start up of the new restaurant place. They needed 10 people to invest $10,000.00. He was going to do It. Then he changed his mind. He still kicks himself today as all the original investors are multi millionaires. Lol. But the Lord has taken good care of him. Thank you so much for this new video. I’ve been waiting for one. God bless you my brother. .

Beautiful place and pictures. I’ll have to visit it sometime.