Clingman's Dome Road opening early

Associated Press

GATLINBURG, Tenn. (AP) — The road to Clingman's Dome in the Smokies will be opened this weekend — well ahead of its usual March 31 scheduled opening.

Weather conditions will dictate possible temporary closures of the road, which leads to the highest elevation reachable by vehicle in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Park officials said a milder than usual winter is allowing them to open the road early. In the event of snow, the road will not be plowed, but, instead, closed so visitors can use the area for cross country skiing or snowshoeing.

Park visitors can get updated road closure information by calling (865) 436-1200, extension 631, or following SmokiesRoadsNPS on Twitter.