Clingmans Dome Volunteers Needed

Clingmans Dome Volunteers Needed. Clingmans Dome is the highest peak in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The observation tower, at 6,644′ feet above sea level, has a commanding view of the surrounding mountains.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials are asking for volunteers to provide visitor information at Clingmans Dome information center. The information center sits at 6,300 feet in elevation, providing a unique opportunity for park volunteers to assist in educating visitors about high-elevation environment. Topics will include spruce-fir forest information, recreational tips, trip planning, and directional information.

The information center was constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps when the park was created in the 1930’s.  The center originally served as a comfort station, but was converted into a seasonal information center in 2010. The center includes a bookstore managed by the Great Smoky Mountains Association (GSMA). The center offers visitors the opportunity to purchase guides and maps, outdoor apparel, and other GSMA products. Volunteers will work alongside GSMA employees. Each volunteer is asked to work one four-hour shift per week from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., April 1 through November 30.

New volunteers are needed on each day of the week, except Tuesdays and Thursdays. New volunteers are required to attend an orientation session on Monday, March 9, from 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.to help learn more about the Clingmans Dome area. Each training session will have guest speakers who will share unique biological and historical information about high-elevation forests and Clingmans Dome. The training will be held at the Oconaluftee Administration Building near Cherokee, NC. Volunteers should bring  lunch.

To sign up for this volunteer program or receive more information, please contact Park Resource Education Ranger Florie Takaki by phone at 828-497-1906 or by email at VOLUNTEER.