I am going to be traveling next month with my husband and my two girls (ages 7 and 2). Was wondering if anyone knew of places to stop along the way that would interest my kids and break up the ride. Also, any suggestions while down there besides Dollywood would be most appreciated. Thanks.
Road Trip from NYC to Dollywood
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How long is your trip?
Dollywood is IN the Smokies, so a trip through the GSMNP would certainly be a good thing.
Cherokee has the Oconoluftee Indian village. You could stop in Winston-Salem NC to see Old Salem.
Hershey PA is on your way.
Are you going to Charlotte still? There is a good bit to do with kids in town--Discovery Place, Latta Plantation, Nature Museum.
Thanks Gretchen. We are doing a separate trip to Charlotte, but maybe I should combine it? I know that the GSMNNP is beautiful, but do you think it is appropriate for a 2 year old - meaning as far as capability for walking on the trails?
Besides fabulous shopping at the outlet malls in Dollywood...you have to go to the Smoky Mountains! There is a wonderful 13 mile one-way loop in the park called Cades Cove with lots of historical buildings and wildlife viewing you can stop at along the way.
http://www.hikinginthesmokys.com/parkinfo.htm
A short hike you can take the whole family on is Laurel Falls. It's one of the most popular hikes in the park because it's short and paved, although there is some uphill involved.
http://www.hikinginthesmokys.com/laurel.htm
You can drive, as the poster says above. Stop and have a picnic. show your children the views.
We took our kids camping and hiking when they were that age. The 2 year old might get carried in a backpack.
Dollywood is hard to describe. And so close to such beauty.
Do you live in NYC proper?
Cherokee, the back entrance to GSMNP is about 3.5 hours from Charlotte. It would be a very easy loop through the Park, and back up to I40 to I81.
Thank you for the suggestions on the specific trails Wave. Gretchen, we live on Long Island (about 20 minutes outside of NYC).
I know LI well also--and NYC. I would think your kids and you would REALLY enjoy the GSMNP!! And a lot of things in the Park. They can wade in the streams, etc.