Why Clingmans Dome is Now Kuwohi: A Journey Through History & Culture

If you've ever visited the Great Smoky Mountains,there's a good chance you've stood atop the towering peak known as Clingmans Dome. It's the highest point in the Smokies, a favorite destination for hikers and a place where you can sometimes see up to 100 miles on a clear day. (Keyword:sometimes - the Smokies didn't earn their name for being perpetually cloud-free.) But if you've recently Googled "Clingmans Dome" or visited the park, you might have noticed a significant change. Clingmans Dome is now Kuwohi.

So, what's the story behind this name change? Why was this iconic spot rebranded, and what does "Kuwohi" mean? Let's dive into the details and blend in some history about this 6,643-foot peak. 

What's in a Name? More Than You Might Think

First, Clingmans Dome didn't have a rock-solid naming origin story. The name comes from Thomas Lanier Clingman, a 19th-century politician and explorer who had a penchant for arguing that this peak was the tallest east of the Mississippi. (Spoiler: He was technically correct.) Sure, Clingman climbed the mountain and championed its height, but was that enough to slap his name on it?

Before Clingman made his mark, the Cherokee people had already named this peak Kuwohi, meaning "mulberry place" in their native language. For the Cherokee, Kuwohi was more than just a geographical landmark; it was a place woven into their cultural stories and spiritual identity. It's a reminder that mountains aren't just piles of rock and trees - they're part of a deeper narrative.

The decision to restore the name Kuwohi recognizes this heritage. It's not just a name change; it's a gesture of respect toward the Cherokee Nation and an acknowledgment that their history in this region runs deeper than any hiking trail.

So Why Change It Now?

Good question! After all, Clingmans Dome has been, well, Clingmans Dome for over a century. Changing it now feels like renaming your dog when he's 12. But here's the thing: the movement to reclaim Indigenous place names has been gaining momentum around the country for good reason.

Many people and organizations have begun reexamining how and why certain landmarks were named in recent years. Often, these names reflect the priorities and perspectives of settlers, explorers, and colonizers while overlooking - or outright erasing - Indigenous histories. Restoring names like Kuwohi is part of a broader effort to tell fuller, more inclusive stories about the places we cherish.

This change also aligns with a growing recognition of the Cherokee Nation's significance in the Smoky Mountains.The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, whose ancestors were forcibly removed from much of their homeland during the Trail of Tears, have maintained a strong cultural connection to these mountains. Reclaiming Kuwohi is a way to honor that connection and ensure it's part of the conversation for future generations.

How Do You Pronounce Kuwohi?

Pronouncing "Kuwohi" might initially feel intimidating, but it's not too hard: it's roughly "koo-WHOA-hee." Practice it a few times, and you'll have it down before you hit the trail.

And let's be honest: if you've figured out how to say "Appalachian" (app-uh-LATCH-un, for the record), you've already proven your linguistic prowess. Adding Kuwohi to your vocabulary is just another badge of honor.

A Few Fun Facts About Kuwohi 

1. It's the Highest Point in Tennessee and the Smokies

Standing at 6,643 feet, Kuwohi reigns supremeas the tallest peak in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It's also the third-highest peak in the eastern United States, trailing only Mount Mitchell and Mount Craig in North Carolina.

2. It Has an Epic Observation Tower

The UFO-like observation tower at the summit is a mid-century masterpiece. It's also the only thing that makes climbing the steep, half-mile paved trail to the top feel worth it. Once up there, you're rewarded with panoramic views that will have you reaching for your camera and/or taking a much-needed breather.

3. It's a Star-Gazing Paradise

On clear nights, Kuwohi offers some of the best star-gazing opportunities in the region. Thanks to its elevation and remote location, light pollution is minimal. Pack a telescope (or just your eyeballs) and prepare to be wowed.

4. It's Not Always So Easy to Get There

The road to Kuwohi is seasonal, typically open from April through November. If you're visiting in the winter, you'll need to bundle up and be ready for a longer hike.

What’s Next for Kuwohi?

Renaming Clingmans Dome to Kuwohi is more than a simple swap of syllables. It's part of a larger conversation about how we honor the stories of the past while looking forward to the future. As more people visit Kuwohi, there's an opportunity to educate and inspire them with the rich history behind the name.

For the Cherokee Nation, this isn't just a win for cultural recognition; it's a step toward preserving their language, traditions, and connection to the land. And for the rest of us, it's a reminder that our favorite outdoor spaces have histories that go far beyond establishing a national park or naming a trail.

A Final Thought (or Two)

If you're feeling a bit sentimental about the name Clingmans Dome, that's okay. It's been a part of our maps, guidebooks, and Smoky Mountain postcards for generations. But embracing Kuwohi doesn't mean forgetting Clingman; it means expanding our understanding of the mountain and its significance.

Let's be honest: "Mulberry Place" has a pretty nice ring. It's a name that invites curiosity, reflection, and - most importantly - a greater appreciation for the stories that shape the landscapes we love.

So, next time you head to the Smokies, go to Kuwohi. Take in the views, breathe in the mountain air, and tell someone else the story behind the name. After all, every great peak deserves its moment in the sun - and the spotlight of its true name.