Trip to Great Smoky Mountains NP
Apr 23rd, 2004, 04:23 PM
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2003
Posts: 58
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Trip to Great Smoky Mountains NP
My husband and I decided that we'd like to visit Great Smoky Mountains NP this year. We'd like to go when it's less crowded and not hot so I was thinking of going in September after the summer crowds have left and before the fall foliage crowd rolls in. Is that a good time of year to go? The thing is that we will only have a week to spend in Western NC and we'd like to spend some time in Asheville and see some of the sights around there, especially Chimney Rock Park. We are from NY and will probably fly into Asheville and rent a car there if possible. Being that we will only have a week, what are some "must sees" in the area and how much time should we devote to the park? We would love to explore as much as we can and not just by car, we love to hike around too. I know there is so much to see in this part of NC and I want to make the most of my time there. The reason we want to tour around Asheville is that we are thinking of relocating there someday and would like to get to know the town. Thanks for your advice!
Apr 23rd, 2004, 07:35 PM
#2
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,139
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
There was a thread here under best dates/itinery for the blue ridge parkway which had ideas for that area that you might want to check out. You can take the Blue Ridge parkway from Asheville to Cherokee (right below GSM park). I think September is a great time to go--the weather should be good and the crowds a little less than some other times. Were you planning on staying in Gatlinburg?
Apr 23rd, 2004, 08:28 PM
#4
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 6,019
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I think a lot of my answer will depend on the answer to this question: How much of a hiker are you?
On the southwest end of the park, Cades Cove is a big attraction. I suggest avoiding it on the weekend, however.
On the east, on the road from Galinburg to Newfound Gap is the trail to Arch Rock and Alum Cave. Arch rock is ate the end of the flat part of the trail along a beautiful stream and through old growth forest. At the Arch, which is a little tough for a heavy person to crawl under, the trail turns sharply left and begins a more vigorous uphill ascent to Alum Cave, which is the most scenic spot in the Smokies, or so i think.
It is about half way to the top of Mount Le Conte, which also has great viewing. But to make Le Conte and return in one day takes a very strong hiker.
Another beautiful spot is the viewing area and tower atop Clingman's Dome.
On the downhill side toward Cherokee, there are some lovely turnouts, and the attration of Mingus Mill, a turbine mill for grinding grain. It was a business mill for years and still turns out a fair production volume, or could if run on that basis.
At the southeast end of the park, there is Fontana Dam. Across the dam, and up the trail, is the Shuckstack Fire Tower.
I don't know if the fire tower is still open or not. But the view from the trail is nice. The lake is pretty if the water is not too far down. The lave levels are controlled by TVA.
The Blue Ridge Parkway starts in the Smokies, hear the east entrance to the park. I would follow it up to Water Rock Knob, and beyond if time permits to Mt. Pisgah.
That whole area, from near Cherokee NC along the parkway to Pisgah is my favorite section of any motor road in the area. You can walk short trails or stick to the view points.
Have fun. It is a beautiful drive.
There are some other highlights to be seen, but those are my favorites.
On the southwest end of the park, Cades Cove is a big attraction. I suggest avoiding it on the weekend, however.
On the east, on the road from Galinburg to Newfound Gap is the trail to Arch Rock and Alum Cave. Arch rock is ate the end of the flat part of the trail along a beautiful stream and through old growth forest. At the Arch, which is a little tough for a heavy person to crawl under, the trail turns sharply left and begins a more vigorous uphill ascent to Alum Cave, which is the most scenic spot in the Smokies, or so i think.
It is about half way to the top of Mount Le Conte, which also has great viewing. But to make Le Conte and return in one day takes a very strong hiker.
Another beautiful spot is the viewing area and tower atop Clingman's Dome.
On the downhill side toward Cherokee, there are some lovely turnouts, and the attration of Mingus Mill, a turbine mill for grinding grain. It was a business mill for years and still turns out a fair production volume, or could if run on that basis.
At the southeast end of the park, there is Fontana Dam. Across the dam, and up the trail, is the Shuckstack Fire Tower.
I don't know if the fire tower is still open or not. But the view from the trail is nice. The lake is pretty if the water is not too far down. The lave levels are controlled by TVA.
The Blue Ridge Parkway starts in the Smokies, hear the east entrance to the park. I would follow it up to Water Rock Knob, and beyond if time permits to Mt. Pisgah.
That whole area, from near Cherokee NC along the parkway to Pisgah is my favorite section of any motor road in the area. You can walk short trails or stick to the view points.
Have fun. It is a beautiful drive.
There are some other highlights to be seen, but those are my favorites.
Apr 24th, 2004, 05:47 PM
#5
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 245
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Have you ever been to Asheville before? If so, I'm sure you know it's a fantastic town. Since you've got a limited time, the absolute top must-see's are Biltmore Estate and the Asheville Urban Trail. Of course, you've also mentioned an urge to visit Chimney Rock Park, and that's more than worth it.
Biltmore is, of course, Asheville's top attraction, a 255-room palace on more than 8,000 acres of gardens planned and plotted by Frederick Law Olmsted, of Central Park fame. You could easily spend an entire day there if you're really into gardens, but the house itself will eat up probably two or three hours by itself. They've recently opened something of a petting zoo in one of the estate barns, to show how animals were raised and cared for in the Victorian era in which Biltmore was constructed, so be sure to go pet something!
The Asheville Urban Trail is the best way to get the flavor of the city. It will take you all around downtown, past almost thirty displays of public art, each helping to tell some of the history of the city. Some of the artworks have been removed at the moment, however. One has been removed pending the construction of an Art Deco parking garage and mixed-use project, and will be replaced upong the project's completion, and two others have been KO'd by cars recently, and may or may not have been repaired and replaced by the time you get here.
If you'd like to venture further afield, take an Asheville Historic Trolley Tour, which not only roams through downtown but through several of the city's most elegant historic neighborhoods as well.
Biltmore is, of course, Asheville's top attraction, a 255-room palace on more than 8,000 acres of gardens planned and plotted by Frederick Law Olmsted, of Central Park fame. You could easily spend an entire day there if you're really into gardens, but the house itself will eat up probably two or three hours by itself. They've recently opened something of a petting zoo in one of the estate barns, to show how animals were raised and cared for in the Victorian era in which Biltmore was constructed, so be sure to go pet something!
The Asheville Urban Trail is the best way to get the flavor of the city. It will take you all around downtown, past almost thirty displays of public art, each helping to tell some of the history of the city. Some of the artworks have been removed at the moment, however. One has been removed pending the construction of an Art Deco parking garage and mixed-use project, and will be replaced upong the project's completion, and two others have been KO'd by cars recently, and may or may not have been repaired and replaced by the time you get here.
If you'd like to venture further afield, take an Asheville Historic Trolley Tour, which not only roams through downtown but through several of the city's most elegant historic neighborhoods as well.
Apr 24th, 2004, 07:49 PM
#6
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2003
Posts: 58
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Wow, thanks for your suggestions. My husband and I are not avid hikers (I want to mention that we are 29 and in decent shape). I do not intend on doing anything strenuous or really long. I like relatively simple hikes with little challenges that don't take too much time. I can probably handle a moderate hike, especially if it is particularly rewarding. I am not sure if we will make it to the TN side of the park. I don't know if we will have time - but that's the thing, I am not sure how long to spend at GSM. As I mentioned we will only have a week. I was thinking of flying into one area and leaving from another to avoid having to double back. Maybe we can fly into Asheville and then make our way to GSM and then fly home from TN. These are the things that I am trying to sort out now. Oh, and I have never been to Asheville before. I have never planned a trip like this before so I am hoping to plan it in a way that makes the most of the time I will have there.
Apr 25th, 2004, 12:25 PM
#7
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,960
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The Alum Cave/Arch Rock trail Bob_Brown speaks of is very easy but also very beautiful. You are walking next to a wonderful babbling brook in a beautiful forest.
My two year old nephew did it with us so I think it might be the kind of trail you are looking for.
My two year old nephew did it with us so I think it might be the kind of trail you are looking for.
Apr 25th, 2004, 04:07 PM
#9
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2003
Posts: 58
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The Alum Cave/Arch Rock trail is in GSM national park? Is it closer to the NC or TN side of the park?
I just checked the website for continental airlines and they do indeed have non stop flights to asheville out of newark, very nice! I was thinking perhaps flying into one airport and leaving from another but I just checked the one way prices and it was almost double the round trip price. So, maybe we will fly into asheville and drive the parkway to GSM and make some stops on the way there and on the way back to asheville, make some different stops along the way. I know it's more driving, but we might actually get to see more stuff this way. I still don't know how many days I will need or want to stay near the park. Oh, should I stay in Cherokee or is there another town just as close to the park?
I just checked the website for continental airlines and they do indeed have non stop flights to asheville out of newark, very nice! I was thinking perhaps flying into one airport and leaving from another but I just checked the one way prices and it was almost double the round trip price. So, maybe we will fly into asheville and drive the parkway to GSM and make some stops on the way there and on the way back to asheville, make some different stops along the way. I know it's more driving, but we might actually get to see more stuff this way. I still don't know how many days I will need or want to stay near the park. Oh, should I stay in Cherokee or is there another town just as close to the park?
Apr 26th, 2004, 05:36 AM
#10
Join Date: Apr 2004
Posts: 387
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Idauria ~ Did you call the airlines or just look up "one way" flights online? This fall, we're flying into D.C. and flying home out of Atlanta for only $302 round trip. They are NOT "one way" flights, they are "multiple cities" flights. Try looking up the price that way or call the airlines.
Apr 26th, 2004, 05:53 AM
#11
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2003
Posts: 58
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
jewelhawg - I was at continental airlines website and I just clicked on the one-way ticket button and it came up with the airfares. I will definitely call around and do some more searching before I totally rule it out. I also think we have enough frequent flyer miles to get 2 free RT tickets but I don't know how it would work with the one way trips and different airports. This is another thing I have to investigate. Thanks.
Apr 26th, 2004, 07:21 AM
#12
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,139
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
We have always stayed in Gatlinburg, Tennessee when visiting the Smokey Mountains. It is a very small town--very touristy (spelling?)--they have used every inch of space available for restaurants, hotels, shops, etc. It is also directly adjacent to the park itself. Most of what Bob has suggested is readily available from that location. Some people go to that area just for Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. We like the nature in the park itself. We spend the whole day in the park and then like to come back to the town to eat, walk around, etc. There are numerous place to stay of all varieties--we usually like to stay in a hotel room with a balcony overlooking a mountain stream--and there are many of those too. The time of year you want to go won't be as crowded as other times, but I would still go during the week--weekends are always busy there. You can also rent a chalet. I think the last time we went it was a Hampton that we stayed in. It was very close to the park entrance and our room (overlooking the river) was quiet, but the hotel entrance was on the main street--so we could go to dinner, etc. without using our car (you can walk the whole town without difficulty--or take trolleys). There was also a great continental breakfast. There are many similar hotels.
Did you check out http://www.nps.gov/grsm? It appears that Ashville airport is 60 miles from GSM. You may want to drive to Gatlinburg (or wherever you decide to stay in that area) first--the drive on the interstate is very pretty since you are going through the mountains--and spend a couple of nights there and then go back along the Blue Ridge Parkway to Asheville and that area. I think 2-3 nights would be enough to get a feel of the area--you definitely won't be able to do everything, but if you decide to move down there, you will have plenty of time to explore then.
Just to add to places you can see--the Roaring Fork Auto tour is nice (the first time we went it was because it was raining)--and we liked to hike to Grotto Falls that is on that road. There is also a partly paved hike (if I remember right)--I think it is called Laurel Falls. I think you could do both those hikes easily. There are also places where you can take a picnic lunch or just sit by the river.
Did you check out http://www.nps.gov/grsm? It appears that Ashville airport is 60 miles from GSM. You may want to drive to Gatlinburg (or wherever you decide to stay in that area) first--the drive on the interstate is very pretty since you are going through the mountains--and spend a couple of nights there and then go back along the Blue Ridge Parkway to Asheville and that area. I think 2-3 nights would be enough to get a feel of the area--you definitely won't be able to do everything, but if you decide to move down there, you will have plenty of time to explore then.
Just to add to places you can see--the Roaring Fork Auto tour is nice (the first time we went it was because it was raining)--and we liked to hike to Grotto Falls that is on that road. There is also a partly paved hike (if I remember right)--I think it is called Laurel Falls. I think you could do both those hikes easily. There are also places where you can take a picnic lunch or just sit by the river.
Apr 26th, 2004, 02:58 PM
#13
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2003
Posts: 58
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thanks so much maj! I am getting so excoted about this trip, I can't believe it's only April!
How far is Gatlinburg from Cherokee, NC? In other words how long does it take to get from the NC side of the park to the TN side? I am just soo confused as where to stay while I am there, on the NC or TN side. I plan on enjoying the sights along the parkway as we go to the park from Asheville. We will probably make a side trip or two on the way. I definitely want to see Chimney Rock. The good thing is that the GSM park stuff will be done during the week so I am looking forward to having it to myself! There is way too much to see in this part of NC and I know I won't get to see and do all of it in a week, I just want to make the most of the time we will have there. I don't know if I will move there or not. so I want to make sure I don't miss out on all the really cool stuff!
How far is Gatlinburg from Cherokee, NC? In other words how long does it take to get from the NC side of the park to the TN side? I am just soo confused as where to stay while I am there, on the NC or TN side. I plan on enjoying the sights along the parkway as we go to the park from Asheville. We will probably make a side trip or two on the way. I definitely want to see Chimney Rock. The good thing is that the GSM park stuff will be done during the week so I am looking forward to having it to myself! There is way too much to see in this part of NC and I know I won't get to see and do all of it in a week, I just want to make the most of the time we will have there. I don't know if I will move there or not. so I want to make sure I don't miss out on all the really cool stuff!
Apr 26th, 2004, 03:39 PM
#14
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,139
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I'm guessing it is about 20 miles between Cherokee and Gatlinburg. The main road through the park that we have always taken goes from one to the other so it probably doesn't matter much which town you stay in. (I would have to think that Cherokee would be the quieter choice).You can get to most places easily. The road to Cades Cove is on the Gatlinburg side (not sure if there is another way that is closer to Cherokee) as well as the auto trail and Grotto Falls trail. Clingman's Dome and Newfound Gap and I think most of the places Bob was talking about are on this road between the two towns. If you are coming and leaving via the Blue Ridge Parkway--it starts (and ends) by Cherokee. We've never stayed in the NC side (by Cherokee), but I just checked on the internet and it looks like there are many hotels to choose from there. The last time we were in Cherokee itself was many years ago and there wasn't much there as far as lodging. I don't think you can go wrong staying in either place. Hopefully someone who has stayed in both will answer.
Apr 26th, 2004, 05:34 PM
#15
Join Date: May 2003
Posts: 306
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Just returned from the Smokies this past weekend. IT was a great time to go - no traffic, things were blooming, and the water was flowing. Drove through Cherokee- would not return there. It looks somewhat run down with alot of little tourist shops. Did not get the chance to do Chimney Rock, but would have liked to.
Toured the Biltmore Mansion in Asheville and stayed at the inn on the grounds. Very nice place to stay with beautiful views.
Toured the Biltmore Mansion in Asheville and stayed at the inn on the grounds. Very nice place to stay with beautiful views.
Apr 26th, 2004, 05:46 PM
#16
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 670
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
We were in GSMNP last summer. We stayed in both Gatlinburg (for its proximity to the Park) & in Cherokee (after driving Newfound Gap Road & doing all the pullouts & sightseeing) overnight before driving the Blue Ridge Pkwy the next day.
Both towns hve acceptable places to stay. You are not "obligated" to visit any venues that are too "touristy" you are there for the natural scenery.
Both towns hve acceptable places to stay. You are not "obligated" to visit any venues that are too "touristy" you are there for the natural scenery.
Apr 27th, 2004, 05:27 AM
#17
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2003
Posts: 58
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thanks everyone! It's good to know that there isn't a great amount of distance between the two towns. That means I will be able to see both sides of the park. I will do some more research before I decide where to stay but it's good to know that both are acceptable. If I do stay in Cherokee, it will only be for lodging and proximity to the park. I have heard that it is kind of a tourist trap because of the casino, but I don't intend to do that stuff anyway. I will check out the hotels in Gatlinburg too. I definitely want to check out the places Bob mentioned so where I stay will depend on my precise itinerary. Thanks again!
Apr 27th, 2004, 06:36 AM
#18
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,960
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
There are literally hundreds of chalets (cabins) to rent throughout the area. Some are close to town and others are more secluded--many on the sides and tops of the mountains with fabulous views, hot tubs, grills, pool tables, etc.
I can highly recommend it. It really gives you the feel of being in the Smokey Mountains.
The GSM area is not so large that you can't stay in one place and see it all.
I can highly recommend it. It really gives you the feel of being in the Smokey Mountains.
The GSM area is not so large that you can't stay in one place and see it all.
Apr 27th, 2004, 06:43 AM
#19
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,647
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Oh, my, Cherokee is a huge tourist trap. It's something everyone should see and say "oh, my . . ."
The scenery is wonderful, but the town is a tourist trap (and Gaitlinburg is a tourist trap too). While in Cherokee visit the Indian Heritage center -- I'm not sure of the exact name of the place, but it's on the main road. You will see authentic Indian crafts, not the Chinese-made Indian crafts available at the tourist trap stores.
I think it's on the web or you might have to contact the Brevard/Transylvania County tourism for a map of the waterfalls. Brevard is a cute town worth stopping in for a little while.
The scenery is wonderful, but the town is a tourist trap (and Gaitlinburg is a tourist trap too). While in Cherokee visit the Indian Heritage center -- I'm not sure of the exact name of the place, but it's on the main road. You will see authentic Indian crafts, not the Chinese-made Indian crafts available at the tourist trap stores.
I think it's on the web or you might have to contact the Brevard/Transylvania County tourism for a map of the waterfalls. Brevard is a cute town worth stopping in for a little while.
