Tenting ON Clingman's Dome?

[JumpMaster Blaster]

A thru hiker literally set his tent up on Clingmans Dome. At the top of the observation tower.

I've never done a callout thread, but what this guy did is an example (to me) of the "I can do whatever I want whenever I want" crowd.

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[illabelle]

Sad to see people so clueless. Any idea whether this was a thru or section hiker that ought to know better?

[Tipi Walter]

God bless him. Remember, the Dome itself and the paved trail to it and the parking lot nearby is the real permanent eyesore and land damage. A nylon tent? No way.

[Old Hiker]

Looking at the time of day, could it possibly be a "tent selfie" ?

[MuddyWaters]

no arguement that the concrete tower is just about the ugliest POS Ive ever seen anywhere, but its stillnot the right thing to do in a national park.

[saltysack]

If it was set up late evening and taken down fairly early who cares? What's difference than camping atop a fire tower? Both ugly obtrusive made made objects that detract from the wilderness experience....similar to that of a shelter......just my .02....I assume both are illegal..therefore I wouldn't do it...


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[Tipi Walter]

If it was set up late evening and taken down fairly early who cares? What's difference than camping atop a fire tower? Both ugly obtrusive made made objects that detract from the wilderness experience....similar to that of a shelter......just my .02....I assume both are illegal..therefore I wouldn't do it...


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The big difference is the Dome and paved trail etc are permanent scars, the tent is temporary.

[evan_rolltide]

I aspire to live in a world where someone else's tent placement bothers me that much. I remember GNAR points being awarded in 2013 for setting up your tent/hammock on/across the trail itself. I laughed.

[johnnybgood]

I personally wouldn't set my tent up on a concrete slab regardless . A beautiful sunset can be seen from a mountaintop campsite miles away from this tourist spot.

[saltysack]

The big difference is the Dome and paved trail etc are permanent scars, the tent is temporary.

I agree....I'd rather see neither......


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[ny breakfast]

i have yet to been to this part of the trail. i wouldn't want to set up there, but maybe a reason, could be sun poisoning, injury, sickness, drying out a wet tent etc. if it were me and i had done some thing like this for a reason I'd explain, apologize to any on comers and ask if they mind, offer to take down. most likely a tourist camper,not a backpacker.

[Starchild]

Is there any harm done? I take it as one of those things we do because we are human and sometimes we do weird stuff which causes no harm and provides us a story to tell.

[bigcranky]

No harm, but a ranger would give you an expensive ticket.

[Starchild]

No harm, but a ranger would give you an expensive ticket.

This is the problem with laws, we are getting fined for being human and doing nothing wrong at times, and doing exactly what we are meant to do. Fear imposed often prevents us from living and that is a larger crime.

[rickb]

Is there any harm done?

It is the peeing over the edge, and the grey water fling that follow which would concern me. I suppose it it possible not to, be as long as you are camping up there...

What kind of tent is that, anyway? Looks like a nice one.

[Walkintom]

Last I checked the world didn't end because of this.

In my book, it's no harm, no foul. Between him and the park.

[Double Wide]

Amazing the shiat we get our panties in a wad over, here on White Blaze...

[kayak karl]

This is the problem with laws, we are getting fined for being human and doing nothing wrong at times, and doing exactly what we are meant to do. Fear imposed often prevents us from living and that is a larger crime.

so do away with laws so you can live your life as you please??

[Tipi Walter]

This is the problem with laws, we are getting fined for being human and doing nothing wrong at times, and doing exactly what we are meant to do. Fear imposed often prevents us from living and that is a larger crime.

A reasonable policy with a small population but unworkable inside a fireant nest with 330 million Americans all with cell phones and all eager to become snitches. Wait until 2050 when we have 450,000,000. Every person will be into every other person's business.

[Walkintom]

A reasonable policy with a small population but unworkable inside a fireant nest with 330 million Americans all with cell phones and all eager to become snitches. Wait until 2050 when we have 450,000,000. Every person will be into every other person's business.

Well, at least we ain't China!