Officials at Great Smoky Mountains National Park have announced that Clingmans Dome Road will be opening this weekend beginning Friday, March 27 if weather permits.

Recent warm weather has allowed park crews to prepare the road and facilities for its spring opening a few days ahead of schedule.

The 7-mile road leading to Clingmans Dome is typically closed Dec. 1 through March 31 of each year because of winter weather.

At 6,643 feet, Clingmans Dome is the highest point in the park and the third highest mountain east of the Mississippi. Park visitors can enjoy views from the parking area or climb the steep, half-mile walk to the observation tower to the summit of Clingmans Dome which offers spectacular 360-degree views of the Smokies.

The road will continue to be monitored for hazardous conditions and could be closed due to inclement weather. For the most current road closure information, call 865-436-1200 x 631 or follow SmokiesRoadsNPS on Twitter.