The clear skies that made waterfall photography difficult did create opportunities for great sunset and night photography on Clingman’s Dome and along the Newfound Gap road.

Sunsets on Clingman’s Dome are fun to watch.  On a clear day just before sunset a line of photographers appear along the edge of the parking lot to get the classic shot of the sun dropping behind the distant mountains. Stick around after the sun disappears and the colors turn from oranges and purples to pastel pinks and blues.

For a little different perspective, a climb to the top of the observation platform gets you above the tree tops.  If you decide to make the climb, allow plenty of time.  The path is steep and at high elevation.

Once it’s dark enough for the Milky Way to appear, the trees at Clingman’s Dome and the overlooks on Newfound Gap Road make interesting foregrounds.

Clingman’s Dome Trail:

Morton Overlook:

That’s it for Part 2.  If you missed it, please have a look at Part 1 of the trip report.  Check back in two weeks for Part 3 – Cades Cove.