Clingmans Dome for Spring Break?
 

http://www.kybikerides.org/ridemaps/4600.jpg

has anyone ever climbed clingmans dome. it looks pretty monstrous. i am thinking about attempting to climb it over spring break (next week), looking for anyone that has done it before for advice/words of inspiration. my main concern is that the summit might still be under snow, oh, and that my knees might shatter/legs snap off/lungs jettison from by torso, etc. i bet i am going to wish i had a compact crank.

http://www.kybikerides.org/ridemaps/4600.htm

I believe the snow has all melted by now. The Clingman's Dome road is still closed to cars until April 1 but you can ride on it. US 441 up from Gatlinburg gets quite a bit of traffic so try to get an early start. Avoid the weekend if you can. The NC side is being paved so I wouldn't recommend that approach. Expect cool morning temps though you'll warm up soon enough on the climb. The weather can change quickly up high so be prepared, There is water available at Newfound Gap parking area in the bathrooms otherwise there are no other clean sources of water or food. I have taken my bike up the NC side many times but have never done the Tn side. It's a great ride but watch the cars. Most will give you pleny of room until the traffic gets heavy. Again, start early for the best experience. Good luck.

I doubt there will be snow. Check out this link, LeConte should have about the same weather as clingman's dome...

http://www.srh.noaa.gov/productview.php?pil=RTPMRX

Yowzers, is that the biggest climb in WNC? Or is Mt. Mitchell bigger?

You'll be fine, it's not a super difficult climb. It's just long. You can make it as hard as you want it because of the length or just cruise at a moderately difficult pace.
The roads are fine right now. Our team did this climb from the Gatlinburg side on Feb. 18th. We turned around at Newfound Gap due to time. The road from there, as previously mentioned, is closed to traffic but it looked clear. Start early to avoid traffic. You'll be fine coming down as your speeds will be close to the car traffic except for a couple spots. The descent takes about 40 minutes from the top, 25 minutes from Newfound Gap, so be prepared with warmer clothes and dry gloves otherwise that 25-40 minutes can really long if you're freezing.
There are some other great roads down there as well. NFields, a member here, lives in the area and is a great resource for routes and bike shops, etc.
Enjoy your time!

I think Mitchell has more total gain from Marion but over a longer distance. However, the climbs are pretty similar. BTW, the total elevation gain in the chart above is overestimated. There's only one downhill on the way up to Clingman's Dome and it probably isn't more than 200ft.

One more thing, when you get to the parking lot at Clingman's Dome you can continue to ride up the paved trail right up the lookout tower. It's a steep ride though and be careful on the way back down.

thanks guys, i appreciate all the info!