Tennessee Highpoint
Kuwohi
6,643 ft · Great Smoky Mountains National Park · Great Smoky Mountains
Short walkLoading map…
The summit pin marks Kuwohi. The access pin marks the National Park Service parking area at the end of Kuwohi Road below the observation tower.
USGS-derived Kuwohi summit locationStandard route
Kuwohi Observation Tower Trail
From the parking area at the end of Kuwohi Road, follow the short paved trail uphill through high-elevation spruce-fir forest to the summit and Kuwohi Observation Tower.
Distance
1 mi
Elevation gain
About 330 ft
Route
Out & back
Difficulty
Easy · steep
Trailhead
Kuwohi parking area
Typical hazards: Steep grades, cold temperatures, fog, rain, strong wind, snow or ice, and rapidly changing high-elevation weather.
NPS describes the half-mile climb to the tower as paved but very steep. The parking area is roughly 330 feet below the summit.
National Park Service: hike to KuwohiPermits & fees
2026 requirements
Parking tag
Great Smoky Mountains National Park has no entrance fee, but vehicles parked longer than 15 minutes require a parking tag.
- Daily
- $5
- Weekly
- $15
- Annual
- $40
- Trail reservation
- Not required
Access
Kuwohi Road
Drive Newfound Gap Road to Newfound Gap, then follow Kuwohi Road approximately seven miles to its end at the parking area and visitor contact station.
Kuwohi parking frequently fills.
NPS identifies Kuwohi as an extremely busy destination and lists 167 parking spaces. A valid parking tag does not guarantee a space. Consider arriving outside peak periods or using an authorized shuttle.
Park amenities
- Large summit-area parking lot
- Visitor contact station
- Pit toilets near the parking area during the open season
- Kuwohi Observation Tower
Know before you go
Kuwohi visit basics
Display a valid parking tag when parking longer than 15 minutes.
Pets are not permitted on the Kuwohi summit trail.
Use designated parking only and keep all four wheels out of the roadway.
Respect temporary road or trail closures and protect the high-elevation spruce-fir environment.
Conditions
Check before leaving
Check current park conditions before driving to Kuwohi. Temperatures at the summit can be 10–20°F cooler than surrounding lowlands, and clouds, precipitation, strong wind, and cold conditions are common.