Charcot-Marie-Tooth: I Hiked Clingmans Dome, Great Smoky Mountains!

I am thrilled to share with you that I hiked Clingman’s Dome at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park on Tuesday, May 31, 2022, and made it to the top of the tower. Are you surprised? I am, but then again, I’m not.

Clingmans Dome is located in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park on the North Carolina/Tennessee border. You hike a steep paved incline trail up the hillside to a concrete trail that leads to the dome area. Once there, you have a view of seven states. On a clear day, you can see 100 miles or so. For someone with Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT), this can be a serious challenge to hike. Visit Clingmans Dome to learn more. As they state, “It is not wheelchair accessible.”

In late May, my wife and I took off for our annual Memorial Day weekend vacation. We enjoy attending the Bill Gaither Homecoming Family Fest in the Smokies at the Gatlinburg Convention Center for a few days of Southern Gospel music. After the concerts, we stay a few days longer so I can enjoy the beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains.

This year, since it seems that Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) may be getting worse for me, I decided I wanted to attempt hiking up Clingman’s Dome in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Many years ago when I tried it, I hiked up only a few feet, thereabouts, and determined it was too much. However, since that day, so much has changed healthwise, for the better, I thought I would give it one more try.

A little backstory: Before I attempt hikes anywhere or do any physical workouts which are out of the ordinary, or that could stress my body physically, I prepare for it. Since I walk my dog, Abby, every day in our neighborhood, up and down gravel roads with challenging hills, it has helped me to be prepared for hikes like this one. Fortunately, I have been walking my dogs for many years which has really aided in my ability to do other activities. Also, it doesn’t hurt that I used to take nature hikes through local parks either. I frequent a chiropractor and massage therapist who provides tips on staying healthy and exercising. Though Clingmans Dome was definitely a challenge for me to hike, the preparation helped considerably.

We arrived at Clingmans Dome to find the parking places were full so I began thinking that I’d given it a shot- maybe we’ll just go elsewhere. However, God provided us with a parking spot at a perfect location. Not too far from the trail, restrooms, and gift shop. We were headed to the trail. Needless to say, I was excited to attempt the hike.

While I wish that I was able to select a hike and go for it, with CMT, I am limited and must take that into consideration. For one, I can walk around a half-mile without my braces wearing Crocs or walking shoes. Much further, I should wear my Arizona Braces with hiking boots. However, the Arizona Braces are designed to prevent me from turning my ankles, therefore, they are fairly stiff with little wiggle room. If I wear them walking down a slope or hill, they push a bit forward. If I am not paying attention, it is very easy for me to lose my balance gaining speed as I walk downhill. My wife saved me from what could have been a disastrous fall while walking down a hill in Baltimore not realizing ahead of time what could happen. I decided to wear my Hoka One One (no affiliation) walking shoes for this hike. They would offer comfort and stability.

I started my hike using a pair of ski poles my chiropractor suggested I use. I quickly learned they were excellent for helping me with stability. I wish that I could say that I made the hike since it is only a half-mile without stopping or sitting down on any benches. However, I found the benches the National Park Service placed along the trail to be quite a blessing and most definitely took advantage of them. I hiked until I needed to sit down, then started again. I tried not to use every single bench just so I could at least say I didn’t use every single bench. The view was incredible and made the hike so worth the effort. And, the amazing part is I completed the hike with no pain in my feet at all.

Along the way, I had the blessing of meeting several nice people while enjoying beautiful views of nature. I met a nice family from Pennsylvania who spent time at Cades Cove where they saw sixteen bears. I have to admit, I was slightly jealous because I’ve only seen one or two, maybe three, when I’ve been there. Their young boy was so happy to share his photos of the bears he saw with me it made my day. Also, when I reached the top of the tower, the father shared some very kind words of encouragement. He is a Christian and shared his faith. That warmed my heart. Also, he said he knows most people in my situation wouldn’t have even attempted this hike. He was happy to see me do it. His comments helped make my struggles up the hill more of a blessing.

Why am I not surprised that I was successful in the hike? I believe in a powerful God who made promises to me when I was in my twenties that He would be my strength and ability throughout my living with Charcot-Marie-Tooth. He has fulfilled that promise for 30+ years, He’s not stopping anytime soon. I will say, if the hike was something that I should not be attempting, God would have made me realize that too.

Charcot-Marie-Tooth affects all of us differently. Though I have been recently diagnosed with one of the more severe cases that my doctor has seen, I know my own abilities and have talked with a medical professional about exercising and workouts. Be sure to talk to your doctor before attempting any hikes or new exercise routines.